An Examination of Impact of Tertiary Healthcare Facility Design on User Needs and Satisfaction In South East Nigeria

Abstract

The work appraises  the state of tertiary healthcare facility design as they relate to user needs and satisfaction in South East Nigeria. Research has shown that tertiary healthcare facility designs impact on user needs and satisfaction. In the corporate workplace a poorly designed environment may cause dissatisfaction,  poor performance, ineffective communication or contribute to relatively minor health problems. Unlike in a healthcare setting where the consequences of faulty designs can be far more serious, including death.  Facility evaluations are often neglected at the design of healthcare institutions.  Meeting user needs determines the degree to which facility contributes to the success of an organisation. With increased sophistication in development and user requirements, there is need for tertiary healthcare facility managers to take proactive part in the design process.  Proactive facility designs require that user needs and expectations are considered and measures aimed at  accomplishing them put in place.  This can be done by communicating vital information to the design team and others working towards the effectiveness of the organisation.  The fact that facility designs affect an organisations effectiveness and employee performance, makes it mandatory to evaluate them regularly.  The consequences of faulty designs especially in healthcare institutions where human lives are at stake should be addressed.

Keywords: Evaluation, Facility Design, Tertiary Healthcare, User needs and satisfaction.