“Study: Enhancing Orthopedic Patients’ Comfort in Hospital Settings with Improved Indoor Thermal Conditions”

Analyze the preference of temperature, humidity, and wind speed among different age groups and gender in a survey on thermal comfort in an orthopedic hospital setting.

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During our survey, we gathered 643 responses, including 429 from patients and 214 from healthy individuals. Of the respondents, 333 were male, and 310 were female, with 274 being young, 310 middle-aged, and 59 elderly individuals. The Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) and Thermal Comfort Vote (TCV) results showcased varying responses. For instance, 41.0% of patients voted for a neutral thermal sensation, while 51.4% of healthy individuals did the same. Interestingly, orthopedic patients reported feeling discomfort more frequently than healthy individuals, with 29.4% experiencing thermal discomfort compared to only 3.3% in the healthy group.

Gender-wise, 45.6% of males and 43.2% of females voted for a neutral thermal sensation. Most respondents considered the thermal environment to be neutral or slightly warm. Elderly individuals displayed a higher tolerance for cooler temperatures, with only 6.7% feeling “a little cold,” compared to their middle-aged and young counterparts. The study also revealed a strong correlation between thermal sensation and thermal comfort votes, emphasizing the importance of indoor comfort for overall satisfaction.

Further analysis delved into the correlation between environmental parameters and respondents’ thermal sensation. Factors like air temperature and globe temperature were found to significantly influence thermal perception. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that air temperature and globe temperature had the most substantial impact on respondents’ thermal sensation voting.

Additionally, the study explored respondents’ preferences for meteorological factors, showing that nearly 50% favored a decrease in temperature and minimal changes in wind speed. Moreover, age, gender, and health status influenced preferences, with young individuals showing a higher tolerance for warmer conditions than the elderly. Healthier individuals and orthopedic patients had similar expectations for meteorological factors, highlighting the importance of tailoring environmental improvements to specific demographic groups.

Overall, the study recommended various strategies to enhance the thermal environment in orthopedic departments, such as improving ventilation, introducing greenery for shade and cooling, and utilizing smart control systems for air conditioning. These initiatives aim to create a more comfortable and tailored thermal environment for patients and visitors, ultimately enhancing overall satisfaction and wellbeing.

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