Profession-based differences in perceptions of hospital buildings’ epidemic-prevention vulnerabilities

Divergent risk perceptions of hospital epidemic prevention can reduce the efficiency of hospital-space utilization. Using a questionnaire survey, this study analyzed perceptions of hospital epidemic vulnerability among 90 respondents in various professions. Before the survey, experts in the safety, healthcare, architecture, and psychology industries were interviewed to identify risk factors related to epidemic prevention in hospitals. Then, applying the hazard vulnerability assessment method, questionnaire surveys were administered to the same experts. Finally, cognitive differences between respondents were analyzed based on the survey results. The findings revealed that cognitive trends related to hospital epidemic prevention were similar across industries. Those in the healthcare industry had lower risk scores and were less concerned about exogenous and management-related risks. Respondents from the architecture industry were less aware of staffing arrangements related to hospital preparedness and more sensitive to safety-related risks. The differences in perceptions of hospital epidemic prevention between respondents from the healthcare and architecture industries were reflected in two aspects. The healthcare industry’s need for personnel and medical supplies during epidemic prevention is greater than commonly recognized. Those in the architecture industry, meanwhile, do not sufficiently recognize the importance of protecting healthcare personnel. These two factors can influence hospital building design.