Abstract
There has been a major shift from in-patient to out-patient and day treatment, and it’s
interesting to see how these changes influence the demands on the built environment.
This study has used qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to investigate the
extent to which out-patient clinics have achieved outcomes.
This is a case study on six out-patient clinics, which were evaluated at Norway’s new
St Olav’s Hospital. The study focused on planning premises, the dimensions of the
hospital, and usability of the built solutions. Data was collected by reviewing project
planning documents and planning premises, the study of drawings, walk-through
observations, and interviews with staff and patients in focus groups.
Results show that the activity in out-patient clinics has grown more than estimated for
some specialties. The layout for the out-patient clinics has to be generic and flexible, in
such a way that spaces can be expanded in future and the rooms can change function
and be used for various purposes.
A generic clinical centre, where out-patient clinics and day treatment are located on
the ground floor, with surgery and radiology located on the first floor, works well in
relation to patient flow, for which decentralised waiting areas are preferred by both
staff and patients. The introduction of the self check-in system is also beneficial for
patient flow.
Most staff feel there is lack of space in examination and treatment rooms, and there is
a need for more staff areas that support collaboration between employees of different
disciplines. Counter staff were generally not keen on the planned open design of
counters, and, consequently, they made many adjustments. Consequently, there is a
need for more research and design in this area.
The findings of this study show the importance of evaluating hospital projects so that
experiences are taken forward in other new hospital projects. The preparing of staff for
new work environments should also be a priority in hospital planning.
interesting to see how these changes influence the demands on the built environment.
This study has used qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to investigate the
extent to which out-patient clinics have achieved outcomes.
This is a case study on six out-patient clinics, which were evaluated at Norway’s new
St Olav’s Hospital. The study focused on planning premises, the dimensions of the
hospital, and usability of the built solutions. Data was collected by reviewing project
planning documents and planning premises, the study of drawings, walk-through
observations, and interviews with staff and patients in focus groups.
Results show that the activity in out-patient clinics has grown more than estimated for
some specialties. The layout for the out-patient clinics has to be generic and flexible, in
such a way that spaces can be expanded in future and the rooms can change function
and be used for various purposes.
A generic clinical centre, where out-patient clinics and day treatment are located on
the ground floor, with surgery and radiology located on the first floor, works well in
relation to patient flow, for which decentralised waiting areas are preferred by both
staff and patients. The introduction of the self check-in system is also beneficial for
patient flow.
Most staff feel there is lack of space in examination and treatment rooms, and there is
a need for more staff areas that support collaboration between employees of different
disciplines. Counter staff were generally not keen on the planned open design of
counters, and, consequently, they made many adjustments. Consequently, there is a
need for more research and design in this area.
The findings of this study show the importance of evaluating hospital projects so that
experiences are taken forward in other new hospital projects. The preparing of staff for
new work environments should also be a priority in hospital planning.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | European Healthcare Design. Research, Policy and Practice |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Pages | 53-53 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Jun 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Congress & Exhibition of the European Healthcare Design (EHD): Empowering Patients: Transforming the Health Economy by Design - London, United Kingdom Duration: 22 Jun 2015 → 23 Jun 2015 https://science.rsu.lv/admin/files/33162758/EHD_Programme.pdf https://www.nickl-partner.com/en/news/european-healthcare-design-2015-ehd-2015-congress-exhibition/ |
Congress
| Congress | Congress & Exhibition of the European Healthcare Design (EHD) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | EHD 2015 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 22/06/15 → 23/06/15 |
| Internet address |
Field of Science*
- 3.3 Health sciences
- 2.1 Civil engineering
Publication Type*
- 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)