Evidence-based practices have become increasingly vital in shaping innovative, patient-centric environments, specifically in healthcare design. Parkin recognizes the significance of EBD and is taking steps to further empower its architects, designers, and clients through an expanded research database. This blog introduces Parkin’s new research resources, highlighting how they facilitate access to EBD research and support the overall design objectives on current and future projects.
What is Evidence-Based Design?
Evidence-Based Design is the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. It allows our team to identify gaps in knowledge, source relevant research that has been performed, and develop knowledge-based design choices. When it comes to designing hospitals, research facilities, long-term care facilities, etc., we want to design with purpose, intention and, most importantly, strong research that supports our outcomes.
At Parkin, we believe that every designer has the potential to become a “research architect” armed with the latest evidence-based insights. To facilitate this, we have curated four accessible research tools that empower our designers and clients.
“Parkin is expanding its research tools for designers to use in documenting and supporting their project design intent. This accessibility to further research will not only support our clients in their future operations but also enable us to study design effectiveness through post-occupancy evaluations.” Kyle Basilius, Principal
Four Research Tools for Research Architects
The following research tools were chosen for their comprehensiveness in the field, scholarly research, awareness of emerging trends in the industry, and ability to stay at the forefront of innovations in healthcare.
Mendeley Research Database
The Mendeley Research Database holds a pivotal role within Parkin’s EBD Committee. By peer-reviewing hot topics and project-specific research, this tool ensures that our projects benefit from the most up-to-date evidence. It serves as a comprehensive research repository, supporting designers across our three national offices.
Herd Journal
As the only peer-reviewed research journal dedicated to healthcare architecture and the built environment, Herd Journal serves as a valuable resource for our designers. It provides a platform for the exchange of scholarly research and insights into hospital design solutions and their related research outcomes, enabling our architects and interior designers to stay at the forefront of healthcare design-related innovation.
Google Scholar
Designers at Parkin can harness the power of Google Scholar to stay informed about the latest research in their areas of interest. By setting up personalized alerts, our architects receive weekly or daily emails containing the most recent publications, ensuring they remain abreast of emerging trends and developments on any particular topic.
Center for Health Design’s Knowledge Repository
The Center for Health Design’s Knowledge Repository is a trusted source where our designers find curated, evidence-based design research by the Center, specifically related to healthcare architecture and design. With the repository’s continuous updates and expert research staff, our architects and designers can access reliable research to inform their design decisions and foster positive outcomes.
As the demand for evidence-based healthcare design continues to grow, Parkin is committed to equipping its architects, clients, and consultants with the necessary resources to stay at the forefront of the healthcare field. The expanded Parkin EBD research library and accessible tools empower designers to create spaces that prioritize patient well-being, promote operational efficiency, and identify areas to improve patient outcomes.
With these tools at their disposal, our architects and designers can engage with research partners to study applicable research related to design implementation and seamlessly apply those findings to operations. Once a facility is open, our researchers and designers can perform post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) and verify whether the research-backed design intent was successful, or not, through real outcomes. By integrating evidence-based insights into its design processes, Parkin aspires to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare, ensuring a more impactful and successful future.
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