The Indian Health Service provides federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. As part of this work, they interact with Tribal governments to construct and maintain healthcare facilities including hospitals and clinics throughout the United States. Many of these facilities are aging. This particular project consisted of creating a master plan to modernize facilities throughout the Montana region.
The goal of the project was to improve patient care and staff efficiencies. Using evidence-based criteria and patient-centered care concepts, we spent time at each of the facilities conducting staff interviews and documenting existing patient flows, staff circulation, and building layouts. Using this data, we developed several site-specific recommendations. We looked at each department, its function and space needs and its’ delivery of care to the patient. With this information in hand, we presented ideas to modernize the physical space and, in some cases, make minor changes to improve the overall flow and efficiencies. The final product was a compilation of design options that would serve as a guide to hospital administrators in their long-term facility modernization planning.