jailcd2024001: Optimizing Patient Journeys: Architectural Innovations in University Hospitals to Mitigate Infectious Disease Transmission

Abstract

The unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have amplified the importance of hospital design in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. University hospitals have faced significant pressure to adapt their outpatient departments (OPDs) to safely manage high volumes of patients while minimizing pathogen exposure. This paper proposes a comprehensive analysis of architectural innovations aimed at optimizing patient journeys within Thai university hospitals' non-clinical areas. By studying the processability
and accessibility differences between normal and 'new normal' conditions, this research identifies critical design elements that contribute to efficient patient flow and reduced infection risk. It compares the architectural layouts of three major university hospitals to discern best practices in spatial organization, which can serve as a blueprint for enhancing the safety and efficiency of OPDs. The integration of advanced design concepts with practical workflow adjustments offers a model for reorganizing OPD clinics, facilitating systematic patient movement, and ultimately forging a safer healthcare environment. The findings aim to inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for hospital design, ensuring that patient care pathways are clinically effective and strategically aligned to mitigate the risk of future infectious disease outbreaks.