Crafting Environmental Prioritization for End Users: Revamping the Thermal Comfort at Shifa Gyne Hospital, Rawalpindi

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns of thermal comfort in hospitals by end users. Gynecology & Obstetrics is a major health specialty which prioritizes on thermal comfort of the patients. Lacking of such standardization was observed in Shifa Gyne Hospital, Rawalpindi and it was explored through current research. Objective was to explore, identify issues and propose interventions to address these gaps. Research exploration used two way approaches using observational study with a checklist and questionnaire to collect data from 150 respondents in winter and summer seasons. Data in summer highlighted aspects of poor cross ventilation, lack of openings, higher humidity and lack of fresh air intake into indoor spaces. Winter season with higher humidity value was a major issue along with allied stated issues. Analysis showed only indoor temperature in winter was reported to be in satisfaction while remaining aspects failed to satisfy end users. Hence environmental design interventions were proposed.