| dc.description.abstract | Flooring materials have a considerable impact on the indoor environment of healthcare facilities. In recent years, flooring options such as vinyl flooring and vinyl composite tiles have emerged as a popular choice in such facilities. They have been preferred extensively because of properties that make them durable, resistant to infections, and easy to maintain with minimum expenditure. However, there is limited literature and research which comprehensively evaluates floor finishes and their selection criteria in healthcare environments and the opinion of facility managers regarding the same.
This study analyzed, identified and systematized literature on selection criteria for flooring in healthcare facilities. It found out the preferences of healthcare facility managers regarding floor finishes and their selection criteria and assigned empirical values to their opinions and carried out further analysis.
This research investigated literature on different types of floor finishes currently used in healthcare facilities and the criteria applied for their selection. The literature review for this study was conducted through search engines using relevant keywords. Peer-reviewed studies and articles published between 2000 and 2016 and consistent with the research design were included. A questionnaire survey was conducted among healthcare facility managers in the state of Texas. Hence, Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used for data analysis.
The top five floor finishes used in the healthcare sector were identified: vinyl flooring, vinyl composite tile (VCT), rubber, linoleum, and ceramic flooring. Top five selection criteria that were identified: durability, infection control, ease of maintenance, maintenance cost, and user safety.
Based on specific selection criteria the choice of floor finish may differ because each material exhibits its own properties which are different from other materials. For e.g. vinyl flooring could be preferred due to durability, infection control and low initial and maintenance cost. However, if selection criteria such as the effect on healing and aesthetics are preferred, then carpet flooring could be a better choice. The scope of future research has been provided. | en |
