Design for Enhanced Recovery

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) commissioned a three year research program involving NHS Estates; the University of Sheffield School of Architecture; South Downs Health NHS Trust; and Poole, Dorset, Acute Hospital Trust. The study is entitled: The Architectural Healthcare Environment and its Effects upon Patient Healthcare Outcomes.

The objective of this research is to quantify benefits to the National Health Service in the UK in the following areas:
a) improved patient recovery rates;
b) cost savings;
c) more pleasant surroundings for staff and patients;
d) fuller knowledge of capital versus running costs;
e) identification of design components yielding most beneficial results.