Aim: The poster presents an example of a complex intervention research in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Design: The intervention comprised a refurbishment of one two-bed patient room in a general ICU. An identical room was kept as a control. The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) guideline directed the project. Principal concepts were: health geography, evidence-based design and healing environments, viewed from a caring science perspective.

Results: Central aspects investigated were a cyclic light system, sound environment and changes in interior design. Light and sound measurements were carried out and instruments were used to identify light experiences. Interviews and data from patients’ records were also used. Some results from the initial evaluation process are reported.

Conclusion: It is complicated to carry out intervention research in ICUs due to the patients’ and next of kin’s situation, staffing and environmental issues. Close contact with the clinical field are of vital importance.