jailcd2024003: Design Guidelines for Improving Surgical Department: A Case Study of Hat Yai Hospital, Thailand

Abstract

This research advances the design of the surgical department at Hat Yai Hospital, Thailand, aiming to better meet healthcare requirements and enhance infection control. Utilizing a post-occupancy evaluation framework, the study methodically assesses the surgical department’s performance against user experience and predefined design criteria, providing recommendations for floor plan enhancements aligned with current design protocols. The objective is to advocate for the implementation of evidence-based design practices within regional hospitals, with an expectation of beneficial organizational outcomes. The investigation proceeds through three stages: assessing physical characteristics, discerning influential design factors via interviews, and amalgamating insights to formulate guidelines for spatial configuration. A collaborative methodology is employed, involving hospital administrators, healthcare practitioners, and design specialists, aiming to furnish actionable strategies for optimizing the operating room design specific to Hat Yai Hospital’s context. The research anticipates influencing design practices across regional hospitals in Thailand, highlighting its significance for healthcare facility development and policy-making. This study contributes to the broader discourse on refining healthcare infrastructure to elevate patient care quality and enhance operational efficacy.