Evidence From the Field: Nurse Perspectives on Design Participation in Healthcare

Two healthcare workers prepping a room for a patient.

Introduction

Delivering an optimal patient experience within healthcare environments is a shared objective across clinical, administrative, and design disciplines. While this goal is often cited as a primary driver in new construction and renovation projects, the process of achieving it is complex and multifaceted. An essential factor influencing success is the degree to which frontline caregivers, particularly nurses, are meaningfully and genuinely engaged in the design process. 

To better understand the current state of nurse participation in healthcare facility design, our team conducted a survey targeting nursing professionals across various care settings. The goal was to identify how nurses are currently involved, what barriers exist to their engagement, and how their insights can inform more effective, efficient, and patient-centered environments. This paper presents the findings of that survey, analyzes key themes that emerged, and explores strategies for integrating clinical perspectives more deeply into the design and planning of healthcare spaces.
 

Click here to download a PDF copy of the full white paper. 

 

 

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Written by

Dr. Justin Ferguson

Dr. Justin Ferguson, Director of Applied Research

With three decades of researching, teaching, and practicing community-engaged and organizational design and planning, Dr. Justin Ferguson brings both immense knowledge and enthusiasm to creating strategic and transformative environments. As Director of Applied Research, Justin seeks to uncover the challenges clients face with their organizational spaces, works with design teams to develop predictive design decision-making, and ultimately measures the efficacy of BHDP’s work. His extensive portfolio spans various markets across the U.S., including collaborations with major clients like the GSA and Fifth Third Bank, making him a unique asset to BHDP.

Heather Wehby

Heather Wehby, Project Manager | Senior Architect

Heather is a seasoned Senior Architect and Project Manager focusing on healthcare projects. She has a wealth of experience in various healthcare and institutional settings and has a track record of delivering high client satisfaction. Her inclusive approach to design welcomes input from end users and team members, fostering collaboration and innovation at every step.