Hospital Design and Upgrade

Hospital Design and Upgrade

INTRODUCTION

The traditional hospital design process requires that architects be given program objectives, room requirements, and constraints (Functional Space Program), such as the need to locate certain departments near others. This results in a block diagram (Adjacencies) and then room-by-room overall schematic, followed by room layout and construction documents. Typically, no issues are raised about the effect of facility’s technology and equipment on patient safety, thus creating an opportunity to repeat the conditions that lead to error. In this case study, we describe the process used by St. Joseph to design a new hospital around patient safety. We identify and discuss safety design principles, and provide examples of their application at St. Joseph’s. Finally, recommendations are made for the architectural design of all health care systems, including new facilities, remodeling, and additions.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Design FMEA at each design stage.
• Standardize location of equipment, supplies, room layout, and care processes.
• Involve patient/families in the design process.
• Use an established checklist for current/future design.
• Bring critical information for decision-making close to the patient.
• Reduce noise.
• Use adaptive systems that will allow function in the future.
• Articulate a set of principles by which everything is measured.