Supportive design model: an approach to promote wellness of pychiatric patients. Case study: Mathari National Hospital, Nairobi County, Kenya.

Abstract

The study is an investigation of supportive design model: an approach to promote wellness of psychiatric patients in Mathari National Hospital. The interior design of a space and its exterior environment has tremendous effects on mental health. It is argued that poor quality design increases psychological distress, but methodological issues make it difficult, to draw clear conclusions. The state of interior and exterior spaces has been directly linked to mental health of psychiatric patients. The objectives are; to establish the outcome of therapeutic design on wellness of psychiatric patients, to establish the importance of positive work environment on the productivity of staff at Mathari hospital and to identify the challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing therapeutic design features on the facility. This study seeks to use supportive design model to foster sense of control, allow access to social support, access to positive distractions in physical surroundings and enhance spiritual well-being. The literature review will discuss the aspects of built environment and mental health, healthcare interior design and exteriors and its impact on patients and challenges faced by authorities to have therapeutic spaces in healthcare facilities. The research will employ descriptive survey design. Critique inquiry method will be used to obtain information from the respondents. It will entail administering questionnaires to the counseling psychologists, interview conducted with an interior designer and secondary data will be collected. The data will be collected, sorted and tabulated. Thematic, descriptive and content methods will be used to analyze data collected. The conclusion and recommendations will be drawn from the findings of the study.