An investigation of nursing staff input for the co-design of an outpatient department

Abstract

© 2019 NIRD URBAN-INCERC. All rights reserved. Sriphat hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand, outpatient department (OPD) is under pressure as a consequence of high patient demand. The hospital administration has, therefore, approved the construction of a new building to cater for out-patients. Research has shown that the architectural features of a hospital building can affect therapeutic outcomes. Much of the support for this effect comes from research in evidence-based design (EBD) which aims to show a strong scientific link between environment and healthcare outcomes. An alternative view, the experience-based co-design process (EBCD), does not disagree with EBD per se, but argues for design input from those who will be the ultimate users (stakeholders) of a construct. Nursing Staff have a wealth of experience regarding building features that support their goal of an effective, efficient, and safe hospital working environment. This study involves an EBCD strategy model that considers the input from intended users of a new OPD. Input from current OPD nursing staff was gathered using survey and focus group discussion. Results indicated valuable insights from nurses. The adopted strategy is considered beneficial in determining user input to the design process.