Value generation through user involvement in healthcare design

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