The Intersection of Human Factors and Evidence-Based Healthcare Design: A Conceptual Framework

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Architecture

Background:

• Overlap exists between Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) engineers and healthcare architects in designing healthcare facilities.
• Both professions aim to enhance efficiency, safety, and patient experience while reducing medical errors.
• Clear guidance is lacking for integrating HFE expertise into architectural design projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• Reintroduce Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) principles into healthcare design.
• Compare core concepts and approaches of HFE and evidence-based design (EBD).
• Highlight benefits of integrating HFE expertise into EBD for healthcare projects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to explore HFE and EBD principles.
• Case studies to demonstrate practical applications.
• Proposed conceptual framework for integrated design process.

Main Results:

• Simulation and mock-ups are effective tools for design feedback and decision-making.
• HFE perspectives enhance the adjustment of design concepts.
• A conceptual framework for HFE-integrated EBD was developed.

Conclusions:

• Integrating HFE expertise into evidence-based design (EBD) optimizes healthcare facility design.
• The proposed framework supports evaluation and improvement studies in healthcare design.
• Enhanced collaboration between HFE engineers and architects is crucial for better healthcare environments.