Healthcare Design Insights from the Entire Hospital Staff

Finding and using research is an important part of the design process. While hospitals are traditionally designed around the needs of doctors and administrators, the new approach is to design for all the stakeholders, staff included.

When designing a healthcare facility, it is important to consider the perspective(s) of each hospital staff member because they can offer valuable insight based on their day-to-day experience of what does and does not work.

Incorporating Staff Insight

Incorporating staff insight into the design will improve the facility making it more effective and efficient. Talking to all of the staff will make a huge difference in the final design.

As an Example:

Housekeeping staff are intimately aware of what colors and textures show dirt easily and wear prematurely.

Clinical staff can provide input about the effective layout of supply and equipment spaces, work-surface heights and locations, as well as actual care provision areas.

Information technology staff can help forecast space requirements for future equipment needs.

The Outcome

The entire staff can offer valuable insight into what makes a better facility. Listening to the staff and incorporating their ideas will:

1. Create a positive work environment that optimizes staff and team capabilities and collaboration
2. Promote safety and avoid injury and worker fatigue
3. Improve operational effectiveness by supporting efficient processes
4. Build infrastructure that easily adapts spaces to accommodate new and emerging technologies.

It is important to consider the perspective of each hospital staff member when designing a healthcare facility as each one offers valuable experience and insight into the day-to-day processes.