ORIGINAL PAPER
The need to supplement the architectural design guidelines for care and treatment facilities
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1
Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland (Faculty of Architecture)
2
Specialist Hospital in Kościerzyna Sp. z o.o., Kościerzyna, Poland
Online publication date: 2025-09-22
Corresponding author
Rafał Janowicz
Politechnika Gdańska, Wydział Architektury, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdańsk, Polska
HIGHLIGHTS
- The ageing of society requires the modernization of the healthcare system.
- The architecture of long-term care facilities should be friendly to seniors.
- Polish legislation lacks detailed guidelines for the design of care and treatment facilities.
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ABSTRACT
Background: There is a lack of architectural guidelines for care and treatment facilities in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the adequacy of existing regulations for the design of such facilities and to identify any shortcomings. Material and Methods: The methodology included an analysis of legislation and literature, as well as an assessment of the quality of space based on research conducted in the nursing home in Dzierżążno in 2025 using the post-occupancy evaluation method and interviews with staff. Results: The literature review shows that space in care and treatment facilities has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and staff. Statistics show that care and treatment facilities have a high number of geriatric patients, most of whom stay in the facility >1 year, often for the rest of their lives. Conclusions: The conclusions point to the need for new regulations on the design of nursing facilities to provide better conditions, more functional spaces and a higher standard of medical care for patients. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(4)