Finish Materials of Hospital Operating Rooms of the USA and Egypt: Selection and Actual Performance-in-Use

The materials selected in finishing the surfaces of operating rooms can have an effect on performance. They must be suitable and supportive to the functions of these specialized spaces. Also, they must withstand the various demands resulting from the intensive use. This is especially important with the strict aseptic techniques that are typically observed in these spaces. This can also result in increased hospital operation and maintenance costs. This paper reports on the results of two surveys on the finish materials used in the floor, walls and ceiling surfaces of operating rooms. The study covered more than 546 operating rooms in more than 86 hospitals. The first survey was conducted for hospitals built -or renovated in the USA between 1980 and 2003. The second survey was conducted in Egypt for hospitals built, renovated, or under design between 2008 and 2012. The time difference between the two surveys was of little concern, since the performance of finish materials does not become apparent except after long term use that extends for years. The surveys identified the materials that were most commonly used in finishing the operating rooms in both countries. Also, views of the facility managers of the USA hospitals in regards to the actual performance of these materials were collected. These were compared with previous studies in Egypt and the USA. The paper draws useful conclusions to architects, administrators and facility managers on the most popular finish materials used in these specialized spaces. Also, views of the facility managers on the performance-in-use of these materials were identified. This included performance of the most popular materials in regards to their sterile properties, durability, maintenance, aesthetics, comfort, safety and cost.