Applying the Ecology of Human Performance Model in Therapy Room Design: Enhancing Occupational Engagement Across the Lifespan

EHP-Based Therapy Room Design

Abstract

Occupational involvement is core to health and well-being, although it is logical that people with disabilities are subject to considerable exclusion regarding their engagement in meaningful activities. The Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model is a universal model used to understand the multidimensional relationship between the person, the environment, and task performance in the context of occupational therapy. This narrative review discusses how the EHP model can be applied in designing the therapy room to promote occupational engagement throughout the lifespan. The environment where treatment occurs has a great impact on the outcome of the client, and the aspect of physical design is an excellent non-verbal communicator that determines whether the therapeutic relationship is effective, whether the client feels comfortable, and the effectiveness of the treatment. The main environmental issues considered are the color scheme, lighting, space distribution, furniture design, and sound privacy. There is evidence that neutral color schemes encourage emotional control, natural lighting minimizes stress and elevates mood, and favorable room temperature and acoustics encourage client disclosure and interaction. The specifics of population and cultural sensitivity assume that the needs of children, sensory therapy, and group therapy are to be distinguished. The experience of the therapist is also crucial since the ergonomic layout and natural light contribute to the well-being of the practitioner and eliminate burnout. In this review, a synthesis of the existing evidence has been used to recommend practical design suggestions, which are based on the five EHP intervention strategies, including establish/ restore, adapt/ modify, alter, prevent, and create. Occupational therapists can design environments to eliminate barriers to involvement and maximize the therapeutic outcome of various client groups by organizing therapy space into functional areas and responding to physical, social, cultural, and temporal environments.