Bringing EBD Research Alive to Get the Best Healthcare Design

Evidence-Based Research has led the way to Evidence-Based Design (EBD). It is the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. Basically, it’s taking research that proves certain elements of design will affect the ultimate outcome or experience of those in the environment and incorporating it into the design. Using Evidence-Based Design will improve the outcome of the design.

The Results of EBD

If EBD principles are applied in the design process, one can expect an improvement in the patient and staff well-being, patient healing, stress reduction, and safety. An evidence-based design should also result in improvements to the hospital’s outcomes, economic performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Healthcare Design Examples

• Private Patient Rooms
• Decentralized Nursing Stations
• Lavender Rooms
• Access to Natural Light
• Artwork
• Ceiling Lifts
• Multipurpose Rooms

The Challenges of EBD

Translating research into practice doesn’t come without challenges. As a healthcare designer who is certified with an EBD credential (EDAC), it is my mission to develop a physical environment that helps to reduce patient stress, improve patient and staff safety, and help staff be more effective at their job. Using the EBD techniques will result in improvements to the hospital’s outcomes, economic performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

How to Overcome the Challenges of EBD

There are toolkits and checklists that interior designers can use to evaluate each healthcare facility, its needs, and budget. For the project to be successful, you need to effectively promote the idea to the administrators and all the stakeholders involved with the decisions. Some ways that can help you overcome these challenges are case studies, crunching the numbers, and highlighting unexpected markets.

For more articles like this, Using Research to Inform Design, Research, and Due Diligence Helped ThedaCare and HGA Create an Exceptional Holistic Cancer Care Center, and Gaining Insight from Research is the Ultimate Guide for Successful Healthcare Design, Especially When It Comes to Veteran Care

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped develop modern design for healthcare organizations locally, regionally and internationally. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff