Focus: Facility Design

Bad hospital design can be unhealthy

Doctor says he is struck daily by how much better hospitals could be designed


In an article on The New York Times website, a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital says he is struck daily by how much better hospitals could be designed.

The evidence suggests we’ve been building healthcare facilities all wrong — and that the deficiencies aren’t simply unaesthetic or inconvenient. All those design flaws may be killing us, he wrote.

For instance, research suggests that private rooms can reduce the risk of both airborne infections and those transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces. 

Also, a number of design factors can contribute to dangerous patient falls: poorly lit areas, slippery floors or toilets that are too high or too low. 

Read the article.

 



March 7, 2017


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

Parking: Where the Outpatient Land Crunch Shows First

Healthcare systems that treat parking as a strategic design variable from the first feasibility pass will have more sites to choose from.


Clear Behavioral Health Opens New Outpatient Mental Health Center in Anaheim Hills

It offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults and teens ages 13 to 17 across east Anaheim and the surrounding communities.


Bon Secours Begins Construction on Freestanding Emergency Department in Norfolk

It is expected to open in late 2027.


The OR HVAC Puzzle: Why Individual Systems Are on the Rise

Extra penetrations, tight clearances and strict humidity needs—design experts explain what it really takes to plan dedicated units for each operating room.


Skanska Completes Renovation of Specialized Care Facility for Sutter Health

The project was delivered through a highly coordinated effort, utilizing advanced construction methodologies to maintain efficiency.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.