Using research to inform design decisions and conducting research to understand the impact of design on outcomes is a key part of the evidence-based design process. However, a strong body of research is lacking in the area of clinic design. So, best practice case studies and research from other related settings are provided to support clinics during their facility design process.
For those of you who are venturing into an evidence-based design process for the first time, it may not be possible to conduct original research because of funding or timelines. However, using the available research to inform decision-making is always possible, and framing design solutions in the context of patient and/or staff outcomes is a fairly logical extension of a well-considered design process.
While existing research on clinic design is limited, available information available can be accessed at in the Solution Library. Outlining what you expect to happen as a result of the design, documenting that in the form of hypotheses linking the design with outcomes, and then collecting outcomes data (this could often be existing metrics collected by your organization) to verify your hypotheses provides a quantifiable way to share your experience within your organization as well as with other organizations. The shared results might spark interest for the “next” clinic to undertake a more formal process to validate the findings, or even corroborate what has been found through the same measures.
By introducing EBD into the design process for clinics we hope that you will begin to consider including studies and research in ways that are most feasible and beneficial to your project. The EBD process can be implemented in many ways, but each healthcare organization must develop a process that reflects its own strategic vision and goals.
To learn more about EBD and how you can become certified visit the EDAC (Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification) website.
