From the Founder

Abstract
Healthcare environments are increasingly recognized as important contributors to patientoutcomes, staff well-being, and overall care experiences. While considerable attention has been
devoted to factors such as lighting, noise, privacy, and infection control, odor remains a relatively understudied component of the healthcare environment. This paper reviews literature related to patient dignity, sensory environments, healthcare design, and staff experience to explore thepotential significance of odor exposure within healthcare settings.
Introduction
Healthcare environments consist of more than the delivery of medical treatment. Patients, families,and healthcare professionals continuously interact with physical, social, and sensory aspects of
care settings. Research in evidence-based healthcare design has demonstrated that environmental factors influence patient satisfaction, stress levels, staff well-being, and perceptions of care quality.
Patient Dignity and the Healthcare Environment
Lin et al. (2012) identified dignity as a central concept in nursing care and found that patient dignity is influenced by the physical environment, staff attitudes, organizational culture, and patient
independence. These findings suggest that environmental conditions play an important role in supporting dignified care.
Sensory Experiences in Healthcare Settings
Nuhanovi (2025) argues that hospitals should be viewed as environments where emotional, sensory, and social experiences occur simultaneously. Zhou et al. (2026) further identified visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory, and taste-related interventions as components of multisensory comfort
care.
Patient Experience and Environmental Quality
Browall et al. (2013) found that patients valued environments that supported positive interactions,privacy, rest, and emotional recovery. Psychosocial aspects of care were viewed as particularly important.
Healthcare Staff Experience
Edvardsson and Street (2007) describe healthcare settings as complex sensory environments and argue that sensory experiences are meaningful components of care environments for both patients
and staff.
Therapeutic Design and Healing Environments
Connellan et al. (2013) reported evidence suggesting that therapeutic design may positively influence patient well-being, staff well-being, and length of stay.
Discussion
The literature reviewed suggests that sensory experiences, including odor, deserve greater consideration within healthcare design and patient-centered care initiatives.
Conclusion
Odor remains an understudied component of the healthcare environment despite its potential relevance to patient dignity, staff experience, and environmental satisfaction. Additional research is warranted.