Value Generation Through User Involvement in Healthcare Design

Michele C. B. Ferrari Caixeta1, João Carlos Bross2, Márcio M. Fabricio3 & Patricia Tzortzopoulos4

1PhD Candidate, Institute of Architecture and Urbanism, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-carlense, 400, São Carlos-SP, CEP: 13.566-590, Brazil. +55 16 3373 9279, [email protected]
2Architect, General Director of the Bross Architecture and Consulting, Rua Arizona, 1.426 9º andar Brooklin, São Paulo – Brazil. +55 11 5505 1555, [email protected]
3Professor, Institute of Architecture and Urbanism, University of São Paulo. [email protected]
4Senior Lecturer, School of Built Environment, University of Salford, Room 500c Maxwell Building, The Crescent, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK. + +44 161 2954284, [email protected]

Abstract

This paper reports on the initial outcomes of a postgraduate research about user involvement in healthcare design. The purpose is to highlight the importance of involving healthcare professionals in the design of healthcare buildings, to ensure efficiency in the delivery of care services and to meet user requirements. It is believed that participatory approaches can help to increase value generation for users. A case study is used to describe the user involvement in the early stages of the refurbishment process of a Hospital in Brazil. Data was collected through six interviews, documental analysis, archival record analysis and direct observations. Results suggest that user requirements are better considered in design through participatory approaches. Furthermore, the necessary time to perform healthcare services can be reduced due to more appropriate building reconfiguration. Findings also emphasize the importance of effective management, both by the design team and by users’ representatives, to minimize conflicting requirements and to avoid delays in the design process.

Keywords

User involvement, value, design process, healthcare buildings.

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Reference

Caixeta, M. C. B. F. , Bross, J. C. , Fabricio, M. M. & Tzortzopoulos, P. 2013. Value Generation Through User Involvement in Healthcare Design, 21th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 299-308. doi.org/

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