Humanização de ambientes de saúde e o contributo na recuperação de pacientes - Propostas de intervenção para o Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the topic of humanizing healthcare environments as a way of contributing to the improvement of the patients' health status. The object of the study is the pediatric and obstetrics emergency ward at "Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte (CMIN)". The interest for this topic results from a direct contact with the healthcare spaces while following up a relative undergoing an oncological treatment. The relevance of exploring this topic in hospital architecture arises from the need to improve the relationship between built physical spaces and the users of these spaces. In any circumstances, but particularly in the case of chronic treatments and palliative care, the healthcare facilities that offer wellbeing and comfort to the patients can have a positive and relevant effect on the patients' health. The humanization of healthcare spaces can also improve the daily lives of the healthcare professionals whose well-being will be reflected in the care of patients. Hospital architecture is a field of knowledge that began its development between the 17th and 18th centuries, in Europe, with the "Tenon project" created after the great fire at the Hotel-Dieu, in Paris. The humanization of healthcare environments is a theme that is an integral part of this type of architecture and has gained attention over time, in an interdisciplinary relationship with Psychology, Arts and Philosophy combined with technological and medical development. Humanization can contribute to the healing process and to the improvement of patients' health. This theme is developed in a historical and theoretical approach, associated with a practical project in the spaces referred above within CMIN. The aim is to present an explanation for the importance of humanization of healthcare spaces today, while providing decision-making tools for hospital managers and administrators.