Evidence-based Design - Current State

Current State

The idea that physical environment can impact patient wellness, staff efficiency, and financial performance has been increasing for about 30 years and has given source to many studies and researches aimed to infer from evidence practical recommendations for healthcare building design.

As EBD becomes more widespread, supported by a growing body of evidence, many healthcare organizations are realzing its importance, are transposing its principles, and trying to build their facilities with the guidance of EBD practitioners. Even though no standards for it have existed until now, recently rolled out was a certification and accreditation program by The Center for Health Design. It has also developed the Pebble Project, together with InformeDesign, a not-for-profit clearinghouse for design and human behaviour research. The Pebble Project is a joint research effort between the CHD and selected healthcare providers and has the purpose to deepen how to build environments affect patients and staff, and disseminate results.