Hospital facilities and the role of evidence‐based design

Abstract

Purpose-Drawing on recent research related to hospital facilities, this paper aims to discuss the role of evidence-based design in facility planning and design as a key element in helping the field of facility planning and management continue to strengthen professional practice. Design/methodology/approach-The discussion draws on relevant literature and recent research. Findings-Evidence-based design is having a major impact on planning and design of hospital facilities, and can play a similar role for other facility types. Originality/value-Calls for evidence-based design for healthcare facilities abound. This paper discusses important issues surrounding the implementation of an evidence-based design approach that need to be considered for this approach to be successful in all types of facilities.

Shared decision making in designing new healthcare environments—time to begin improving quality

“…Successful implementation of new methods and models of healthcare to achieve better patient outcomes and safe, person-centered care is dependent on the physical environment of the healthcare facility (or the healthcare architecture) in which the healthcare is provided [ 1 ]. Therefore, decisions concerning healthcare architecture are critical because such architecture affects people and work processes for many years and requires a long-term financial commitment from society [ 2 , 3 ]. Poor healthcare architecture can often lead to adverse events, such as patient falls, disorientation, healthcare-associated infections and patient dissatisfaction [ 4 ].…”

Lean design improves both health-care facilities and processes: a literature review

“…Systematic analyses of the goals of the organization and the requirements of the work processes are used to find ways to ensure that the facilities meet the users' (employees' and patients') needs and support well-being and productivity (Rechel, Buchan, and McKee 2009). User-centric design does not necessarily have to mean participatory design; it may be based on the evidence-based research data or knowledge which a researcher collects from the users, for example, using questionnaires and checklists (Becker and Parsons 2007). The user could be quite passive without any actual participatory action in the design process (Sanders and Stappers 2008).…”

Assessment of the Impact of Complex Healthcare Features on Construction Waste Generation

“…Healthcare designs are considered complex and unique, since they comprise functionally-and operationally-interconnected, built and technical elements that interact with several management systems. Therefore, unlike other buildings where a poorly designed environment may cause dissatisfaction and annoyance, inhibit effective communication, or contribute to relatively minor health problems, in a healthcare environment the consequences of getting the design wrong can be far more serious, including causing loss of life [53]. Furthermore, patient satisfaction is an important factor in the process, because it has been associated with commitment to return to and recommend the hospital to others [54].…”