The effects of the built environment on health outcomes

Abstract

Abstract In the UK, there is currently a need for improving healthcare delivery mostly due to a lack of appropriate investment in the past. To tackle this issue the DOH (2004a) established the following targets: a) reduce waiting time, b) reduce patient length of stay in hospitals, c) reduce medicine’s use, d) increase staff time per patient in hospitals, e) increase staff work effectiveness, and f) improve the NHS experience for patients. Aiming to support the achievement of these targets, the British government has been investing considerably in the improvement of healthcare delivery. The refurbishment and development of new healthcare facilities is part of the plan for achieving the targets. The development of new facilities has stimulated discussions about how to develop better healthcare facilities.

keywords: Healthcare facilities, medicine, environment, hospitals.