Pre-occupancy evaluation of patient satisfaction in hospitals

Journal article (2015)

Authors

Theo van der Voordt Real Estate Management - Architecture and the Built Environment
Research Group
Real Estate Management (Architecture and the Built Environment) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2015 J van der Zwart, Theo van der Voordt
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586715595506
Hospitals Space syntax Design assessment Patient satisfaction
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Published Date

2015

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Department

Management in the Built Environment

Research Group

Real Estate Management

Abstract

Only when a building has been built it becomes clear if the building works as expected and if the objectives of the clients, customers, end users and other stakeholders are attained. If not, it is difficult and costly to adapt a building-in-use to fit with the needs and interests of the stakeholders. This paper explores how some of the pre-set goals and objectives can be assessed ex ante, in the design phase, before it is built. The paper focuses on six aspects that are perceived as most important to support patient satisfaction: view on nature, way-finding, daylight, visibility of patient areas from reception desks, privacy and communication between medical staff and patients, and noise reduction (Ulrich et al., 2008). An analysis of available assessment tools showed that research by drawing and the use of Space Syntax methods is an adequate means to visualize the strengths and weaknesses of floor plansin relation to spatial user-experience. This approach is illustrated by an assessment of a nursing ward of the Deventer hospital in the Netherlands. This building has been built in the period 2004-2008 and is recognized as a leading hospital regarding hospitality.