E20 – Research‑Informed Design for Equitable, High‑Performance Clinics
As outpatient and ambulatory care continues to expand, public and safety-net clinics face growing pressure to deliver efficient, dignified, and equitable care within constrained footprints and evolving service models. These challenges are particularly acute in regions such as Central Texas, where rapid population growth and persistent healthcare disparities place significant demands on federally qualified public health facilities. Yet many outpatient environments remain designed around assumptions of use rather than evidence of actual behavior. This session presents a research-informed approach to outpatient clinic design and illustrates how empirical findings informed the Hancock project, a large federally qualified public health facility addressing critical access gaps in Central Texas.
The underlying study evaluated the real-world performance of outpatient clinic environments across four facilities within a single healthcare system using a mixed-methods approach. Observational studies, staff and patient feedback, and targeted statistical analysis were used to examine patient movement, waiting behavior, staff workflow, and perceptions of privacy, comfort, and efficiency. Findings were synthesized to identify recurring spatial and operational challenges common to high-volume outpatient settings.
Results revealed consistent misalignment between design intent and use. Corridors frequently functioned as waiting areas, activity clustered near check-in and laboratory zones, and patients experienced repeated movement between exam rooms, scales, and waiting spaces—contributing to congestion, privacy risks, and inefficiencies. Key predictors of improved patient and companion experience included noninstitutional character, acoustic quality, and appropriately sized waiting areas. Reduced staff travel distances, privacy at workstations, and adequate staff workspace were strongly associated with perceived care efficiency.
Speakers
More Information
Related Sessions
E08 – Designing Recovery: A Neuropsychological Based Design Framework to Mitigate Healthcare Worker Burnout
Healthcare worker (HCW) burnout diminishes job satisfaction, increases…Healthcare worker (HCW) burnout diminishes job satisfaction, increases compassion fatigue, and adversely affects patient care. While extensive research explores factors contributing to burnout, a critical gap remains in understanding how to support r…Healthcare worker (HCW) burnout diminishes job satisfaction, increases compassion fatigue, and adversely affects patient care. While extensive research explores factors contributing to burnout, a critical gap remains in understanding how to support recovery through short-term respite during the workday. Closing this gap goes beyond general acknowledgments that biophilic elements or natural lighting in respite spaces are beneficial, requiring a nu…Healthcare worker (HCW) burnout diminishes job satisfaction, increases compassion fatigue, and adversely affects patient care. While extensive research explores factors contributing to burnout, a critical gap remains in understanding how to support recovery through short-term respite during the workday. Closing this gap goes beyond general acknowledgments that biophilic elements or natural lighting in respite spaces are beneficial, requiring a nuanced understanding of HCWs’ psychological needs. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these needs, prompting facilities to create staff spaces without a clear evidence-based framework for respite. Few studies seek direct input from HCWs about how they experience respite and how their insight, rooted in neuropsychological concepts of recovery, can influence design. Our study addresses these gaps using a mixed-methods survey distributed nationally across clinical roles, exploring: (1) how healthcare workers conceptualize respite and the workplace culture surrounding it, (2) how perceptions vary across demographics, i.e., role, age, region and (3) responses to visual stimuli as a proxy for preferences regarding mental and physical restoration through evidence-based neuropsychological design concepts. This study seeks to understand a form of respite that sustains the workforce and enhances patient care. These findings will inform a preliminary design framework for future staff respite spaces in healthcare. Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E32 – Design That Works: Art, Light, and Space to Activate Movement in Care Delivery
Healthcare environments often include art, daylight, & views of na…Healthcare environments often include art, daylight, & views of nature, yet these elements are rarely operationalized as a systematic part of patient treatment or staff workflows. It is also commonly assumed that such interventions have universal…Healthcare environments often include art, daylight, & views of nature, yet these elements are rarely operationalized as a systematic part of patient treatment or staff workflows. It is also commonly assumed that such interventions have universal positive impacts across patient populations. This multi-site, multi-population, comparative post-occupancy study reframes design interventions as active clinical systems - design as care plan. Compa…Healthcare environments often include art, daylight, & views of nature, yet these elements are rarely operationalized as a systematic part of patient treatment or staff workflows. It is also commonly assumed that such interventions have universal positive impacts across patient populations. This multi-site, multi-population, comparative post-occupancy study reframes design interventions as active clinical systems - design as care plan. Comparing existing medical and surgical oncology units with new inpatient units at Oregon Health and Science University, the study uses a mixed-methods approach to study patients and interdisciplinary staff, using observation, focus groups and surveys, movement tracking, & space syntax analysis. Rather than focusing solely on reactions to design features, the research examines how different populations strategically use the environment when staff are trained to deploy space as a clinical tool. High-impact interventions, including full-scale commissioned murals, full-height window walls, community-building social and activity spaces, & visitor support and respite spaces, inspire motivation, ambulation, autonomy, & recovery. Unlike conventional POEs which validate design intent, these findings will translate directly into staff training modules and treatment protocols, evaluating transferability across patient populations. For healthcare designers and operators, this work offers a measurable, scalable model for activating design to improve outcomes, experience, & performance, moving beyond validation toward transformation. Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E44 – Closing the Loop: Using Pre- and Post-Occupancy Measurement to Inform Healthcare Design
Healthcare projects are often evaluated only after occupancy, limiting…Healthcare projects are often evaluated only after occupancy, limiting their ability to inform design decisions and demonstrate project success. Pairing pre- and post-occupancy measurements creates a stronger framework by establishing a baseline, tes…Healthcare projects are often evaluated only after occupancy, limiting their ability to inform design decisions and demonstrate project success. Pairing pre- and post-occupancy measurements creates a stronger framework by establishing a baseline, testing design intent, and producing evidence to guide future projects. This session explores paired pre- and post-occupancy surveys through an inpatient pharmacy renovation at University of Cincinnati H…Healthcare projects are often evaluated only after occupancy, limiting their ability to inform design decisions and demonstrate project success. Pairing pre- and post-occupancy measurements creates a stronger framework by establishing a baseline, testing design intent, and producing evidence to guide future projects. This session explores paired pre- and post-occupancy surveys through an inpatient pharmacy renovation at University of Cincinnati Health. A pre-occupancy survey identified workflow inefficiencies, organizational challenges, and operational constraints that informed design goals, spatial planning, equipment integration, and collaboration strategies. These findings established clear hypotheses for post-occupancy evaluation. Constructed in two phases to maintain continuous operations, the renovation integrated advanced automation within tight constraints. POE feedback collected three months after completion was evaluated against the baseline to directly assess design performance. Attendees will learn how paired measurement provides practical guidance to inform design decisions and future healthcare projects.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
