Name
#29 The Impact of Architectural Healthcare Design on Healthcare Outcomes and Addressing Disparities
Speakers
Content Presented on Behalf of
Army
Services/Agencies represented
US Army
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Trending/Hot Topics or Other not listed
Learning Outcomes
OUTCOMES:
1. Understand the role health facility planning serves in architectural healthcare design and addressing health disparities.
2. Understand how inadequate healthcare design can negatively affect patient outcomes and lead to building deterioration.
3. Gain insight about the specific capabilities the U.S. Army Health Facility Planning Agency provides in healthcare design.
1. Understand the role health facility planning serves in architectural healthcare design and addressing health disparities.
2. Understand how inadequate healthcare design can negatively affect patient outcomes and lead to building deterioration.
3. Gain insight about the specific capabilities the U.S. Army Health Facility Planning Agency provides in healthcare design.
Session Currently Live
Description
Have you ever considered how the design of a healthcare facility can influence patient and staff experiences? Today, we'll explore this topic and discuss the role of architectural design on healthcare outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities. To illustrate this, we'll present a case study of the Leroij Kitlang Memorial Health Center (LKMHC) in Ebeye Atoll, Republic of the Marshal Islands (RMI).
Healthcare design plays a critical role in shaping end users experiences and outcomes. Poorly designed healthcare facilities can contribute to stress, anxiety, and negative health perceptions. In addition, neglecting climate-responsive design principles can contribute to building deterioration, excessive energy consumption, and suboptimal performance. This abstract explores the detrimental effects of inadequate healthcare design at LKMHC on patient outcomes and discusses strategies to combat disparities through architectural interventions. Furthermore, this abstract explores the key principles of tropical architecture and their significance in ensuring the longevity and sustainability of buildings in tropical regions. By incorporating these principles, tropical architecture can significantly enhance the resilience and lifespan of buildings in hot and humid climates. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and comfortably built environment. By prioritizing healthcare design that is patient-centered, culturally sensitive, and inclusive, we can create environments that promote healing, reduce disparities, and improve overall health outcomes for all.
The US Army Health Facility Planning Agency (HFPA), in partnership with USACE, conducted a thorough evaluation of the LKMHC in Ebeye Atoll, Marshall Islands. The survey and assessment included interviews with LKMHC staff to gather data on patient demographics, services, equipment, and facilities. This information will be used to inform decisions about the future of the health center, including whether to repair the existing facility, replace it on the same site, or build a new one.
The negative consequences of poor facility design at LKMHC include building degradation, increased energy consumption, and a decline in patient and staff morale. These factors have contributed to staffing challenges and patient compliance issues, emphasizing the critical importance of well-designed healthcare facilities in improving health outcomes and addressing disparities.