ORIGINAL PAPER
Epidemiological safety in nursing care units for older adults: architectural and legal determinants
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1
Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland (Faculty of Architecture)
2
Medical Academy of Applied Sciences, Gdańsk, Poland
Online publication date: 2026-11-10
Corresponding author
Rafał Janowicz
Politechnika Gdańska, Wydział Architektury, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk
HIGHLIGHTS
- Legislation does not take into account all the requirements of good design practice.
- Elderly people require specialized architectural and building solutions.
- Design solutions in hospitals can help reduce healthcare-associated infections.
- The hospital environment poses special challenges regarding the needs of older adults.
- Senior citizens are at greater risk of hospital-acquired infections.
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background: European society is undergoing a dynamic ageing process, resulting in a growing proportion of older patients and increased susceptibility of this group to hospital-acquired infections. In this context, the design of nursing care units – incorporating architectural solutions that support epidemiological safety – is of key importance. Material and Methods: The purpose of this publication is to analyze the legal and organizational conditions and to demonstrate the need for their amendment. The methodology is based on verifying the main research hypothesis, which posits that the regulations in force in Poland regarding the design of hospital wards are insufficient in light of the specific needs and growing number of elderly patients, and that refining these regulations is an essential prerequisite for improving epidemiological safety. The analyses were conducted based on current statistical reports, including studies by Eurostat and the Central Statistical Office, scientific publications, and legal acts in force in Poland regulating the functioning of the healthcare system. The research process (critical analysis) and deductive reasoning were carried out including: hospitalization of older adults, the risk of healthcare-associated infections,
the impact of architectural solutions on pathogen transmission, and the legal framework for the design of healthcare facilities. This made it possible to identify potential regulatory gaps and formulate recommendations for clarifying the regulations, which constitutes the original intellectual contribution of this study. Results: The analyses conducted indicate that the current legal regulations in Poland do not include
specific requirements that take into account the unique characteristics of hospitalizations involving older adults in the context of preventing
healthcare-associated infections. Conclusions: The analysis conducted indicates the need to develop comprehensive design and organizational guidelines that integrate epidemiological, functional, and architectural aspects in order to improve the safety and quality of care for geriatric patients. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2026;77(4)