Study shows carpet tile creates less stressful hospital environments

Researchers found flooring selection can make a difference in the stress levels of healthcare workers, patients and providers. Dr. Debra D. Harris, Ph.D., of RAD Consultants, conducted the study, “The Influence of Flooring on Environmental Stressors: A Comparative Study of Three Flooring Materials in a Healthcare Setting,” .
The study took place in an older hospital and tested three flooring conditions (terrazzo, rubber and carpet tile) in patient unit corridors over a period of 42 weeks. The healthcare system participated in the study because it was in the process of building a new replacement hospital, and it intended to use the research to inform its flooring selection process for the new facility.
Environmental stressors in healthcare facilities include ergonomic factors and sound. The study examined the impact of different flooring materials on sound levels within the corridors, the perceptions and preferences of healthcare workers when it comes to floor covering in the workplace and the patient experience as it related to how often the area around the patient’s room was quiet.

RAD Consultants’ findings indicate that carpet tile performed better for sound level attenuation by absorption, reduced noise levels, lessened the impact of noise on the healthcare employees’ jobs and on the patients and improved speech privacy. Carpet tile also had a positive effect on air quality, reduced discomfort from reflected glare, increased comfort underfoot and provided a preferred aesthetic.