Factors Influencing Optimal Hospital Design: A Comparative Study between Thai and Norwegian Public Hospitals

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the factors that influence the design process for public hospitals. The paper intends to provide knowledge regarding the hospital planning and design process from the perspective of policy makers, facilities managers, hospital planners and hospital designers. This study is a qualitative study, where twelve participants from Thai and Norwegian hospitals were interviewed. Respondents included hospital project directors (n=3), hospital planners/designers (n= 5), and facilities managers (n= 4). Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic and content analysis. Four main themes were identified from the analysis: (1) organization of the healthcare system (2) hospital management system (3) work systems in the healthcare organization (4) hospital design process. Comparisons of results were made between Thailand (a developing country that strives to provide sufficient healthcare services) and Norway (a developed Nordic country that provides efficient public healthcare services). The main finding of this study indicates the critical importance of user involvement in the hospital design process in both countries. The involvement of different stakeholders in each stage of the design process is the key to successful design outcome. Other issues and recommendations for designers are further discussed.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 through environmental design in Thai community hospitals

“…Based on the study's findings, positive design recommendations have been formulated. From the medical staff interviews and focus group analysis, it was found that the result align with the literature that emphasises userfocused design (Prugsiganont and Waroonkun, 2021;Fronczek-Munter, 2016). Positive design can be delivered successfully when the involvement of designers and users is managed effectively (Fronczek-Munter, 2016).…”

“…However, the approach should be used with consideration, which means the approach should not be used with inflated expectations. Furthermore, all involved parties (medical staff and hospital designers) should share the same understanding and expectations (Prugsiganont and Waroonkun, 2021). This "discussion" began by referencing the lack of user involvement in the three community hospitals, which resulted in several physical environment problems.…”

“…In the past 20 years, the EBD research into hospital facilities has developed, where the concept focuses mainly on safety enhancement, visual environment, audio environment, staff and doctor space features, patient room features, wayfinding and navigation (Fay et al, 2016;Prugsiganont and Waroonkun, 2021). However, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, infection prevention and hygiene have become some of the most concerning aspects affecting hospital facilities (World Health Organization, 2022b).…”

Exploring the Environmental Health Implications of Invisible, Unnoticeable, and Overlooked Mistakes in Hospital Design: A Study in Egypt

“…Moreover, it is important to consider the environmental health aspect in the hospital design to reduce the negative impact on the environment and the health of the patients and staff. The use of sustainable materials, water and energy conservation, and waste management practices should be incorporated into the HPD to promote a healthier and greener environment [19]. 9-Inadequate circulations in (HPD) can have contrary effects on the health and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors.…”