Addressing IAQ and Acoustics with Ceiling Tiles

Few specifications are as important as those for hospitals and healthcare facilities. Like walls, the ceiling system also plays an important part in the overall healthiness of the building, as well as that of the patients and staff. Attention should certainly be given to selecting ceiling systems with high sound absorption to cut down on noise. However, specifying the right ceiling system can additionally save energy on lighting and cooling, help prevent mold and infections with its cleanability, offer recycled and recyclable materials, and provide a full palette of colors to help create a warm and inviting setting.

Acoustic absorption is important. FGI requires it in all normally occupied spaces. When ceilings with a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) replace ceilings with less acoustic absorption, people perform much better. “Evidence-based design includes installing high-performance sound-absorbing ceiling tiles as a priority design recommendation based on the evidence available and the impact on safety, quality, and cost,” says Gary Madaras, PhD, Rockon Acoustics Specialist. “When ceiling panels with a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) are installed, patient and staff stress is reduced, patient sleep deprivation is reduced, and satisfaction is increased.”

Stone wool ceiling solutions offer optimal acoustic, and infection control, as well as aesthetic benefits that impact the vitally important functionality, safety, and atmosphere of medical facilities.

As healthcare providers work to protect their patients and the wider population from the spread of disease, deliver effective care, and encourage healing, they rely on their built environment to provide a safe, clean, and comfortable space. Much of the solution to indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, and overall indoor environmental quality (IEQ), lies in the materials used for building and renovating. Besides acoustic comfort, stone wool ceiling solutions bring additional benefits to the table. Stone wool is a durable material that holds up to infection control and cleaning measures. The surface is easy to clean and disinfect without affecting appearance or performance. Stone wool is a non-chemically treated material to lessen the chemical load on patients trying to heal. It is also an inorganic material that naturally resists mold. Additionally, stone wool ceilings enhance natural lighting and provide proven natural light attributes. Light is vital to human functioning and important for both psychological and physiological conditions. Dodge Data & Analytics identifies access to daylight as a key feature for healthier buildings.

Improving Outcomes with Safety

Specifying plumbing fixtures merely on design appeal without looking at improved outcomes for healthcare is not fully serving clients. What should be promoted is the application of design that improves healthcare performance, patient satisfaction, staff productivity, and safety.

Minimizing Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAI) is a key concern for hospitals, senior care centers, and behavioral centers. Specifying the optimal plumbing systems and fittings is crucial to minimizing infections. This includes selecting hygienic showers and faucets that are specially designed to eliminate water stagnation and minimize infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthcare facilities included in the scope of ASHRAE Standard 188 (Section 5.2) develop and implement comprehensive Water Management Plans (WMPs).²⁶ WELL V2 also requires projects to proactively test drinking water and to manage recirculating hot water systems against Legionella colonization by having a WMP. Implementing a WMP can help reduce the risk of Legionella growth and transmission. WMPs identify potentially hazardous conditions and outline steps to minimize the health impact of waterborne pathogens on patients and staff. The standard includes special requirements for healthcare facilities, recognizing their unique risks and needs.

Healthcare facilities must develop a comprehensive water management program for all water systems, from potable systems to hydrotherapy equipment and even decorative fountains. Based on these assessments, appropriate control measures must be implemented, such as:

• Temperature management
• Disinfection protocols
• Flushing regimens
• Point-of-use filtration where necessary

Architects and designers should be aware that there are plumbing fittings that can facilitate their water management plans because they have been engineered specifically for healthcare. For example, showers in public facilities and healthcare settings must eliminate water stagnation to minimize bacteria growth leading to infections. Shower system technologies can simplify the process by automatically eliminating the sitting water in the pipe column, valve, and shower spray hose, instead of relying on manual removal by maintenance staff or nurse aides. It is important that specifiers understand that several types of comprehensive draining technologies are available, wherein the system automatically drains water from the shower system. Water residing in the pipe column, thermostatic/pressure balancing valve or pressure balancing valve, and hose is quickly drained upon shut-off. For showers that have both a showerhead and a hand spray, the Auto-Drain diverter assures that any water in both the showerhead and a hand spray drains after each use, without requiring any manual intervention. A diverter assures that any water residing in the pipe column and hose is quickly drained upon shut-off. For showerhead-only showers, draining the thermostatic or pressure balancing valve with an intuitive drain ensures the removal of the water from the pipe upon shutting off the water flow. For showers that have both a showerhead and a hand spray, a diverter should be specified to ensure that both are drained.

Also keeping in mind the Well V2 Building Standards for public bathrooms include contactless faucets and soap dispensers so users can exit the bathroom hands free. Faucets must be:

• Sensor-activated operation to minimize contact and promote hygiene.
• Equipped with a programmable line-purge system.
• If mixing is used, hot- and cold-water lines are mixed at the point of use.
• The faucet design prevents the water column from flowing directly into the drain or a sink drain stopper is installed.
• Water does not splash outside the sink when the faucet is fully open.

Specifying touchless faucets in hospitals plays a critical role in infection control by minimizing the risk of waterborne pathogens that can lead to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Touchless faucets with Bluetooth connectivity enable mobile programming and adjustments through an app, making it easier for facility managers to maintain a hygienic water system. These advanced faucets can automatically implement hygiene flush protocols, reducing stagnant water and bacterial growth by regularly flushing out contaminants. In times of remediation, they also allow for flushing that can clear water lines more effectively. Furthermore, facility managers can track usage patterns, helping to ensure handwashing compliance and supporting infection prevention efforts throughout the facility.

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, specific design features in touchless faucets add layers of protection. For example, a touch-free design limits surface contact and bacterial transfer, while copper tubing helps inhibit bacterial growth naturally. Features like antimicrobial laminar flow outlets reduce the risk of bacteria, mold, and mildew, providing added protection at the faucet outlet. Studies have shown copper is effective against a wide range of pathogens, including Legionella, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli, enhancing faucet hygiene. Low-volume solenoid valves also help by minimizing water stagnation in the faucet, while non-aerated laminar flow limits microbial spread. Together, these attributes support healthier environments for patients and staff in healthcare settings.

Utilizing wide-reach faucets is another strategy to improve accessibility, hygiene, and functionality in healthcare settings. The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) has updated its guidelines for healthcare facilities to include recommendations for wide-reach faucets. For wide reach, the spout reach of faucets should be at least 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) to accommodate the size of two adult hands and to avoid pooling of water at the sink backsplash. This design also allows users with limited mobility to access the water stream more easily without having to lean forward excessively. Wide-reach faucets available in both manual and touchless models, also enable increased functionality.

A Final Note

Though holistic design is a complex concept, striving to consider the whole patient and their physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, it creates a comprehensive model of caring. It also guides the creation of buildings and spaces, which can lead to better outcomes for patients and healthcare systems.

END NOTES

¹Totaforti, S. Applying the benefits of biophilic theory to hospital design. City Territ Archit 5, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-018-0077-5. Accessed October 2, 2024.
²El Messeidy, Rania Ahmed Hamdy. “Application of Biophilic Patterns in Health Care Environments to Enhance Healing.” Engineering Research Journal. 163. A87-A99. September 2019. https://erj.journals.ekb.eg/article_122518_27e282837cff53b2bc985e5d59b2d792.pdf. Accessed October 7, 2024.
³“What is Evidence-Based Design (EBD)?”. The Center for Health Design®. https://www.healthdesign.org/certification-outreach/edac/about-ebd. Accessed October 7, 2024.
⁴Abdelaal, M. S., & Soebarto, V. (2019). Biophilia and Salutogenesis as restorative design approaches in healthcare architecture. Architectural Science Review, 62(3), 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2019.1604313. Accessed October 2, 2024.
⁵Card, Alan PhD, MPH, CPH, CPHQ, CPHRM, Ellen Taylor, PhD, AIA, MBA, EDAC, Melissa Piatkowski, MS, EDAC. “Design for Behavioral and Mental Health: More Than Just Safety.” The Center For Health Design®. Issue Brief. February 2018. https://www.healthdesign.org/insights-solutions/design-behavioral-and-mental-health-more-just-safety. Accessed October 2, 2024.
⁶Totaforti, S. Applying the benefits of biophilic theory to hospital design. City Territ Archit 5, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-018-0077-5. Accessed October 2, 2024.
⁷Chrysikou, E. “From Normalization theory to a ‘Fit for Purpose’ architecture for the mentally ill.” World Health Design, July 5, 2012.
⁸Card, Alan PhD, MPH, CPH, CPHQ, CPHRM, Ellen Taylor, PhD, AIA, MBA, EDAC, Melissa Piatkowski, MS, EDAC. “Design for Behavioral and Mental Health: More Than Just Safety.” The Center For Health Design®. Issue Brief. February 2018. https://www.healthdesign.org/insights-solutions/design-behavioral-and-mental-health-more-just-safety. Accessed October 2, 2024.
⁹Totaforti, S. Applying the benefits of biophilic theory to hospital design. City Territ Archit 5, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-018-0077-5. Accessed October 2, 2024.
¹⁰Totaforti, S. Applying the benefits of biophilic theory to hospital design. City Territ Archit 5, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-018-0077-5. Accessed October 2, 2024.
¹¹Totaforti, S. Applying the benefits of biophilic theory to hospital design. City Territ Archit 5, 1 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-018-0077-5. Accessed October 2, 2024.
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²⁵“Noise Toolbox.” The Center for Health Design®. https://www.healthdesign.org/noise-toolbox. Accessed October 9, 2024.
²⁶https://www.cdc.gov/control-legionella/php/healthcare/water-management.html.

Amanda Voss, MPP, is an author, editor, and policy analyst. Writing for multiple publications, she has also served as the managing editor for Energy Design Update.