Floor finish selection in health-care facilities: a systematic literature review
ISSN: 0263-2772
Article publication date: 2 April 2019
Issue publication date: 17 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze and discuss floor finishes used in health-care facilities and their selection criteria in the form of advantages and disadvantages. The authors also identify the top three health-care floor finishes and selection criteria based on the literature review results. Although flooring materials have a considerable impact on the life-cycle cost and indoor environment of health-care facilities, what criteria may be used for such flooring choices is not thoroughly studied.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors performed a systematic review of the literature on certain flooring systems currently used in health-care facilities and the criteria applied for their selection. Peer-reviewed studies and articles published after Year 2000 consistent with the research design were included.
Findings
Sixteen different selection criteria that influence the choice of floor finishes in health-care facilities were determined and discussed. The results show that the top three-floor finish materials preferred in health-care facilities are sheet vinyl, rubber and carpet, and the top three selection criteria for floor finishes are indoor air quality, patient safety and infection control.
Originality/value
The results of this study will assist building owners, architects and interior designers with implementing an informed design decision-making process, particularly in relation to floor finish selection. The findings will also provide guidance to floor finish manufacturers to improve their products based on facility managers’ preferences.
Keywords
Citation
Dixit, M.K., Singh, S., Lavy, S. and Yan, W. (2019), "Floor finish selection in health-care facilities: a systematic literature review", Facilities, Vol. 37 No. 13/14, pp. 897-918. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-03-2018-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited