A computational model for linking healthcare architectural variables with health outcomes using systems engineering

Abstract

This study introduces a transition from manual approaches, such as assessment tools, to a software-driven solution for assessing the health friendliness of healthcare facilities. When the specifications of a facility are entered into the software, it automatically calculates the impact of Architectural Variables (AVs) on Health and Care Outcomes (HCOs), providing quantitative insights. It demonstrates how various AVs affect different HCOs. To do so, the software relies on a computational model created by modeling the interactions of AVs on HCOs. It considers all interactions, including AV-HCO, AV-HCOsingle bondHCO, and AV-AV-HCO. The Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach is used to model these interactions and is integrated into the software as its calculation engine. The software is developed as a case study in the context of dementia-friendly design in nursing homes, involving 40 AVs, 36 HCOs, and 396 interactions. However, its structure is adaptable to other healthcare facilities. Moreover, this web-based software offers enhanced usability by providing digital fields for receiving design specifications and automated calculations. Compared to previous assessment tools, it provides a wide range of data insights for informed decision-making and enables the creation of design assessment benchmarks through its coherent database. This research contributes to the advancement of performance-oriented, occupant-centered design evaluation methods and aligns with current efforts in digital transformation of the architectural design process. It demonstrates how computational tools can bridge architecture and health, offering a replicable and adaptive framework for assessing the impact of environmental design on human well-being.