Short answer
Prioritize the design of accessible and efficient evacuation routes and systems that explicitly account for the diverse mobility needs of patients.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (2026)
- Method
- Qualitative narrative approach involving a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with field experts.
- Sample
- 25 field experts
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The ability of patients to move independently or with assistance is the most critical factor in ensuring effective and safe evacuation from hospital environments during emergencies. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. Using Qualitative narrative approach involving a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with field experts. with 25 field experts, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the design of accessible and efficient evacuation routes and systems that explicitly account for the diverse mobility needs of patients.
Patient Mobility is the Primary Determinant of Safe Hospital Egress
The ability of patients to move independently or with assistance is the most critical factor in ensuring effective and safe evacuation from hospital environments during emergencies.
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment · 2026
Key Findings
- 01Patient mobility rate and conditions are the most crucial factor influencing safe egress.
- 02Other significant factors include occupant types, occupant behaviour, exit characteristics, interior layout, fire spread, fire-rated materials, egress time, detection/suppression systems, signage, evacuation elevators, building simulation, and staff training.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the design of accessible and efficient evacuation routes and systems that explicitly account for the diverse mobility needs of patients.
How to apply
When designing or retrofitting healthcare facilities, conduct thorough assessments of patient populations and their mobility capabilities to inform evacuation strategies and infrastructure.
Project actions
- 01Consider different patient scenarios (e.g., bedridden, ambulatory, using wheelchairs) when planning evacuation routes.
- 02Research existing assistive devices and technologies that can aid in patient evacuation.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines systematic literature review with expert validation.
- +Identifies a clear hierarchy of factors influencing egress.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on expert opinion and literature, not direct observation of a real-time hospital evacuation.
Reliability & validity
The systematic literature review and expert interviews provide a degree of reliability. Validity is supported by the convergence of findings from multiple sources, though limitations in data availability exist.
Think critically
How might the 'ideal' evacuation strategy for mobile patients conflict with the needs of less mobile patients, and how can design reconcile these differences?
Design Principles
"Design for the most vulnerable user group first, as this often leads to universally beneficial solutions."
Understanding and prioritizing patient mobility challenges is essential for designing evacuation strategies and physical spaces that cater to diverse needs. This insight directly impacts the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in critical situations.
What This Means for Your Design
When designing hospitals, the most important thing to think about for safety during a fire is how easily patients can move out of the building.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this insight to justify the focus on specific user needs within your design project, particularly if it involves environments with vulnerable populations.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research underscores the critical role of patient mobility in hospital egress design, identifying it as the primary factor influencing evacuation effectiveness. This insight is crucial for any design project aiming to enhance safety in healthcare environments, as it necessitates a user-centred approach that prioritizes the needs of individuals with diverse physical capabilities.
Source
Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
Interactions and connections of safe egress factors in hospital designs
journal · 2026
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about patient mobility is the primary determinant of safe hospital egress?
- Prioritize the design of accessible and efficient evacuation routes and systems that explicitly account for the diverse mobility needs of patients. Evidence: Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (2026).
- Why does "Patient Mobility is the Primary Determinant of Safe Hospital Egress" matter for design?
- Understanding and prioritizing patient mobility challenges is essential for designing evacuation strategies and physical spaces that cater to diverse needs. This insight directly impacts the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in critical situations.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the design of accessible and efficient evacuation routes and systems that explicitly account for the diverse mobility needs of patients.
- What were the main findings?
- Patient mobility rate and conditions are the most crucial factor influencing safe egress.. Other significant factors include occupant types, occupant behaviour, exit characteristics, interior layout, fire spread, fire-rated materials, egress time, detection/suppression systems, signage, evacuation elevators, building simulation, and staff training.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative narrative approach involving a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with field experts. with 25 field experts.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from Smart and Sustainable Built Environment.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or retrofitting healthcare facilities, conduct thorough assessments of patient populations and their mobility capabilities to inform evacuation strategies and infrastructure.
- What are the limitations?
- Exclusion of recent, publicly unavailable fire incident reports; reliance on secondary data; English language limitation for literature review.