Analysis of the Right Sizing Approach to Healthcare Space Planning

Author

Johnathan AnspachFollow

Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Construction Science and Management (MCSM)

Department

Construction Science and Management

Committee Chair/Advisor

Vivek Sharma

Committee Member

Dhaval Gajjar

Committee Member

Mike Jackson

Committee Member

Kapil Madathil

Abstract

Achieving optimal spatial design in healthcare facilities is crucial for efficient operations and high-quality patient care. This study investigates the application of the right-sizing approach to healthcare conceptual design, with a specific focus on the Medical-Surgical Unit (MSU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) departments within inpatient wards. Utilizing a robust methodology, foundational parameters and constraints were established to align with the functional requirements of a 100-bed hospital case study. Through a systematic process, industry practitioners contributed valuable insights via surveys, facilitating the quantification of parameter rankings essential for spatial decision-making.

Analysis of the data revealed significant correlations between parameters, emphasizing their interconnected nature and their impact on spatial design decisions. Key factors such as nurse observation, nurse station location, and efficiency emerged as crucial considerations, highlighting the significance of patient safety, workflow optimization, and resource allocation. Furthermore, a comparison of parameter rankings with criteria outlined by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) unveiled disparities and provided guiding principles for determining inpatient room sizes. Beyond influencing spatial design decisions, these parameters significantly affect room sizes, departmental layouts, and overall facility size. Efficiency-driven decisions aimed at optimizing workflow and resource allocation may lead to more compact room sizes and efficient departmental layouts. Safety considerations permeate spatial decision-making processes, prioritizing infection control measures and patient privacy. Patient-centered design principles advocate for larger, more comfortable patient rooms to enhance the overall patient experience. Additionally, access to specialized care areas, such as the ICU or operating rooms (OR), influences departmental sizes and facility layouts, guiding decisions to optimize access and streamline care delivery. This research provides valuable insights benefiting various stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Hospital administrators and facility planners can leverage the findings to optimize spatial design decisions, enhancing resource utilization and patient outcomes. Architects and designers gain a deeper understanding of the parameters influencing healthcare facility design, enabling them to create environments prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. Policymakers and regulatory bodies can use the research outcomes to inform guidelines and standards for healthcare facility planning and design, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare delivery systems. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive framework for right-sizing approaches in healthcare design, with far-reaching implications for stakeholders committed to advancing patient-centered care and operational excellence.

Recommended Citation

Anspach, Johnathan, "Analysis of the Right Sizing Approach to Healthcare Space Planning" (2024). All Theses. 4260.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4260