Get Well Soon: Biophilic Design for Healthcare

Question 1 of 7

1. Question

Which of the following is not a way in which E.O. Wilson described Biophilia in his 1995 work with Co-author Stephen Kellert, The Biophilia Hypothesis.

Part of our species’ evolutionary heritage
The self-interested basis for a human ethic of care and conservation of nature, most especially the diversity of life.
A biological need
Associated with human competitive advantage and genetic fitness

Question 2 of 7

2. Question

How does stress affect the immune system?

Stress sends the immune system into overdrive, causing the body to fight itself
In the short-term stress weakens some “first responder” activity, but in the long-term, it gives the immune system a significant boost.
The immune system is entirely unable to operate when the body is under stress.
In the short-term stress boosts some “first responder” activity, but in the long-term, it severely weakens the immune system.

Question 3 of 7

3. Question

Which of the following is not a way that stress affects wound healing?

Physiological stress triggers a flood of glucose increasing blood sugar and significantly reducing healing time.
Physiological stress increases glucocorticoid and catecholamine production which are associated with delayed healing.
Psychological stress promotes the adoption of health-damaging behaviors such as increased consumption of alcohol, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and reduced exercise, all of which can inhibit wound healing.
Physiological stress increases susceptibility to infection.

Question 4 of 7

4. Question

A study by Barlas et al. in 2001 found that, in one type of hospital room, 5% of patients admitted to withholding portions of their medical history or refusing parts of their physical examination. What type of hospital room was it and why did the patients withhold information or refuse examination?

Surgical inpatient ward, fear of pain
Windowless inpatient room, depression and lack of energy
Curtained multi-bed room, lack of privacy
Single-bed room, no fear of repercussions

Question 5 of 7

5. Question

The World Health Organization recommends a value for continuous background noise in hospital rooms of no more than 35 dB and nighttime peaks of no more than 40 dB. However, background noise in hospitals is typically much higher, around 45-68 dB, with peaks frequently exceeding 85-90 dB. Which of the following is not an impact of high noise levels that we discussed in this course?

Visitors stay for shorter time periods and visit less frequently
Infants in NICUs have lower oxygen saturation, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate and respiration and irregular sleep patterns.
Adults have heightened blood pressure and heart rate.
Nurses experience higher rates of emotional exhaustion and burnout.

Question 6 of 7

6. Question

The following is a credit from on of the design standards discussed in this course. Which standard is it from? “Connection to the Natural World–Direct Exterior Access for Patients—Give patients and staff a direct route to a terrace, garden balcony, or exterior courtyard.”

The WELL Building Standard
LEED for Healthcare
The Living Building Challenge
The Center for Health Design Recommendations for Health Clinics

Question 7 of 7

7. Question

Which of the following is not part of the WELL Building Standard’s Quantitative Biophilia Credit?

At least 25% of the project site features either landscaped grounds or rooftop gardens accessible to building occupants, consisting of a minimum of 70% planting including tree canopies.
Wall and potted plants are incorporated into the design of the interior space so that potted plants or planted beds cover at least 1% of the floor area per floor and that there is one plant wall per floor, covering a wall area equal or greater than 2% of the floor area, or covering the largest of the available walls, whichever is greater.
The building design incorporates nature through environmental elements, lighting, and spatial layout
At least one water feature for every 100,000 ft² in projects larger than 100,000 ft² which is at least 5.8 to 6 ft in height or 43 ft² in area and includes ultraviolet sanitation or other technology to address water safety.