Research and Development Project, Building on the Evidence

Overview

  • This “pathway” research and development project is one of a series commissioned by the Department of Health.

  • The purpose of the research is to develop knowledge and insights into the influences that the built environment has on patient outcomes.

The hypothesis

  • A good quality built environment improves patient outcomes. Assumptions and Research Questions

  • The built environment influences “the patient experience” whic h, in turn influences patient outcomes.

  • The built environment influences the operation and management of clinical processes.

  • The built environment influences the attitudes of staff, patients and visitors which, in turn, influences how empowered they feel.

  • Does improving the patient experience help to improve patient outcomes?

  • Does improving the built environment help to improve the operation and management of clinical processes?

  • Does improving the built environment help to empower patient’s visitors and staff (and does this help to improve patient outcomes?)

Project Team

  • CPA will conduct the research in association with key East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust clinical and non clinical staff.

  • The academic rigour is managed by Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University.

CPA’s Approach

    Component parts of the research include:
  • A review of current literature to establish the current evidence base, and identify existing tools and techniques that can be used.

  • A building study, comparing the existing centre and the recently refurbished centre at William Harvey Hospital against defined criteria (NEAT, AEDET Etc).

  • Establish care pathways and outcomes.

  • Develop data collection methods and produce a “balanced scorecard” of measures.

  • Undertake a comparative research betw een existing and new cancer care facilities.

  • Base data collection and analysis on the principles of Grounded Theory.

Outcomes

  • The following reports and analysis of the research will be produced. - Literature review. - Building study of comparative centres. - Analysed results and surveys undertaken. - A balanced scorecard of performance. - Overall research paper setting out the projects findings and conclusions. - Knowledge transfer materials.

Project Timetable

  • Start November 2005 and will run for approximately 18 months.

A new Department of Health sponsored research project that investigates the potential influences of the built environment on patient outcomes.

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