Ambulatory Facility Design and Patients' Perceptions of Healthcare Quality

Objective: This research examines whether the physical attractiveness of an outpatient practice influences patients’ perceptions of healthcare quality, including patient and staff perceptions of the quality of staff-patient interaction. Background: Despite the high and increasing percentage of healthcare dollars for care delivered on an outpatient basis, relatively little research has examined the relationship between the design of ambulatory facilities and patient outcomes. Few studies have examined how patients’ perceptions of healthcare quality differ in the same outpatient practice before and after a move to a new facility designed to be patient-centered. This study is the second phase of a study comparing patients’ perceived quality of care in ambulatory facilities that differ markedly in physical attractiveness. Methods: Using both a patient and staff survey, and structured interviews, this study compared staff and patient perceptions of healthcare quality (including staff-patient interactions) before and after a move to a new facility designed to be patient-centered.