Healthcare facility design development in Kuopio University Hospital

Abstract

Facility design related to rapidly changing healthcare (HC) processes is in dire need of new innovations. Due to an ongoing nationwide HC reform in Finland, five University Hospitals among other central hospitals are forced to find ways to carry out competitive HC design practices in order to maintain efficient work environments and processes. This article illustrates a brief overview of Kuopio University Hospital's (KUH's) design development concept. The researchers reviewed and evaluated all the major facility design projects being carried out at KUH during the past five years. KUH aspires to continuously learn in order to stay effective and improve as a major player in Finnish HC. Creative thinking and openness to new, state-of-the-art solutions have enabled gradual development in the facility design process. Emphasis on participatory design approach, change management and evidence-based design has proven to be beneficial as well. Furthermore, integrating operational design as a main part of the facility design process should pay dividends in the near future. This article brings forth a HC design concept from one of the leading hospitals among Finnish HC. The article sheds light on the methods crucial to KUH for continuous improvement.

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