Designing Healthcare Spaces to Transform Quality of Care
In an era where healthcare systems face increasing pressure from rising patient needs and the escalating impacts of climate change, the intersection of quality care, health outcomes, and space considerations has become more critical than ever. While clinical innovations and operational improvements have traditionally been the focus of healthcare strategies, the role of physical space in influencing health-seeking behaviours and outcomes is often overlooked. However, the design and layout of healthcare facilities play a pivotal role in delivering effective, compassionate, and sustainable care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises this in its technical brief on "Strategic Health Infrastructure Investments to Support Universal Health Coverage." Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is grounded in the principle that appropriate infrastructure is essential. Health facilities that are well-maintained, properly furnished, and offer local populations a sense of security encourage people to seek medical care with confidence. However, in many regions, the infrastructure supporting healthcare remains minimal or substandard. By investing in health infrastructure today, we can reform systems and create a foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery.
Climate change adds another layer of urgency to the discussion of healthcare infrastructure, as systems must now adapt to extreme weather conditions, rising temperatures, and resource scarcity. To ensure facilities remain resilient, integrating climate-conscious design into healthcare infrastructure is critical. This involves not only preparing for the impacts of climate change but also creating sustainable environments that improve patient care and operational efficiency. Healthcare facilities must be fit for their intended use—safe, operational, climate-resilient, and equipped to handle crises and disasters. By doing so, they can continue to provide high-quality care even in the face of environmental challenges.
Innovative design can enhance patient-centred care, increase safety, and promote healing, while also making healthcare systems more adaptable to future challenges. By recognising the importance of space, we can reimagine healthcare facilities as dynamic environments that improve outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers and contribute to the fight against climate change. To achieve this, it is essential to systematically adopt maintenance budgets and conduct environmental impact assessments. Furthermore, infrastructure design must be flexible enough to accommodate future needs and evolving requirements.
This WHO-hosted webinar explores why space matters, demonstrating case studies from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya. It highlights how well-designed spaces can drive improvements in patient experience, clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and climate resilience.
Post-Webinar Brief
