Sense of Manageability (Behavior)

Manageability deals with an individual's sense of control of their situation and surroundings.
Traditional healthcare designs have been able to make spaces manageable for staff with
centralized services, infection control, patient oversight, and efficient organization of space. For
patients, intravenous drips, incubation, heating/cooling, dialysis, and other forms of ‘life
support’ help them feel that they can get better on their own.

Salutogenic design can enable further functionality of healthcare facilities to improve a sense of
independence in patients. By providing operable windows or access to facilities, a patient feels
capable of taking decisions for their health and acting upon them. Accessibility to resources,
staff, family, and friends also authorizes patients to exercise control of their environment.

Analysis
Observation
Surveys
Interviews
In salutogenic architecture, a sense of manageability in a hospital setting refers to a
patient's perception of control over their environment and their health journey. Here's
how you can observe it:

Environmental Cues:

Access to controls: Look for features like adjustable lighting, temperature controls, and
windows that open. These allow patients to personalize their space and feel a sense of
agency.
Organization and Wayfinding: Observe if the hospital layout is clear and easy to
navigate. Are there clear signs and designated areas for specific functions? Good
wayfinding empowers patients to move around independently.
Amenities and Resources: Are there amenities like call buttons, handrails, accessible
sinks, or areas for socializing or relaxation? These resources can make daily activities
easier to manage for patients.
Patient Behavior:

Engagement with surroundings: Do patients seem comfortable adjusting their

environment (lighting, temperature)? Do they move around the hospital independently to
access amenities?
Communication with staff: Notice if patients initiate conversations with staff about their
care or environment. Do they express their needs and preferences confidently?
Emotional state: Are patients generally calm and in control, or do they appear anxious
or frustrated? A sense of manageability can contribute to a more positive emotional
state.
Staff Interaction:

Level of autonomy given to patients: Do staff encourage patients to make choices about
their care and environment whenever possible?
Supportive communication: Does staff explain procedures clearly and answer questions
patiently? Empowering communication fosters a sense of manageability.
Responsiveness to patient needs: Observe how quickly staff responds to patient
requests for assistance. Prompt attention reinforces a sense of control for the patient.
By observing these cues, you can gain insights into how well a hospital environment
supports a sense of manageability for patients. Remember, salutogenic design goes
beyond just physical features. It's about creating an atmosphere where patients feel
empowered to participate in their healing process.