How do we as architects design with the 7 flows of healthcare in our architectural healthcare world but ensure that we can improve facility operational functionality, infection control and patient outcome and experience?
The 7 flows of healthcare are critical on all levels of planning/ managing/ organizing a healthcare facility.

The 7 flows point towards these aspects
• Patients/ families
• Providers
• Medication
• Supplies
• Information
• Equipment
• Instruments/ processes

In my presentation I am going to showcase an existing challenge in a healthcare facility. I will highlight the challenge/ the solution that was put in place but then look at how one can design so that these challenges don’t arise and cause negative patient experience.
How do we, as Architects in a very sensitive environment design a facility without understanding how the management system works or will work. How do we apply the regulations and the knowledge if we have not spent time on the ground watching and listening to the end users. I learn from the staff – the nurses, the unit managers, the cleaners, and the hospital management.
When I completed a Greenfields project, no matter how much detail I have gone into to ensure the design followed the 7 flow of healthcare, I today can see challenges and improvements that could be made in my design.
My passion is working with existing facilities, and find the best solution for all 7 flows and my priority being Patients…