Table 1 summary of project stages, activities, and outcomes. dBA = A-weighted decibel; RT = Reverberation Time

(1) Defining the problem

(1) Qualitative patient/family interviews

(2) Qualitative staff interviews

(3) Environmental studies

(4) Literature review

(1) Draft list of patient-centred problems

(2) Designing solutions

(1) Co-design workshop

(2) Extensive consultation and iteration

(3) Creating solutions

(4) Testing solutions

(1) Project requirements document—final list of requirements incorporated into the implementation plan

(3) Implementation planning

(1) Source implementation site/bedspaces

(2) Investigation of selected bedspaces

(3) Specific and prioritised list of recommendations produced

(4) Architectural, design and technological plans developed

(5) Stakeholder engagement process

(6) Full-scale prototype built

(7) Simulation training conducted

(1) Finalised architectural, design, and technological plans

(4) Building works

(1) Bedspaces isolated

(2) Access and paths agreed on for building team and materials

(3) Installation of agreed solutions

(4) Finalising building works

(5) Testing of lighting and acoustic environment

(1) Completion of two upgraded ICU bedspaces ready to accept patients

(5) Early evaluation

(1) Evaluation of light and acoustics

(1) Improved acoustic and lighting environments

 Reduced RT from 0.7 to 0.3 s

 Reduced monitor alarm volume by 8–11 dBA (as experienced by patients)

 Light that closely mimics natural light