Citation

Dickerman KN, Barach P, Pentecost R. World Hosp. Health Serv. 2008; 44(2): 15-21.

Affiliation

Utrecht University, Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, International Hospital Federation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18795501

Abstract

Hospitals are complex. The physical environment in which that complexity exists has a significant impact on health and safety. However, enhancing patient safety or improving quality has not been integrated into aspects of the design of hospital buildings. Despite recent discussions regarding design of 'patient-centered' healthcare facilities and 'evidence-based design', there has been little assessment of the impact of the built environment on patient outcomes. This paper will present a few examples of how changes in design can improve the quality of care.

Language: en