Inclusive Healthcare Design and the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Healthcare environments significantly influence patient satisfaction and the success of medical visits. Beyond aesthetics and clinical efficiency, design choices impact inclusivity and a sense of belonging, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This report emphasizes the importance of community-informed, inclusive healthcare design that supports diverse populations through choice, comfort, and empathy.

Community-Informed Design for Diverse Populations

Successful healthcare designs celebrate diversity and foster environments where patients and staff feel understood and supported. Incorporating community insights during planning ensures responsiveness to unique local needs, advancing SDG 10 by reducing inequalities.

Strategies for Community Engagement

1. Research demographic data to understand community composition.
2. Shadow care team members to observe operational workflows.
3. Conduct interviews with staff, patients, and families to gather qualitative insights.

Examples of Community-Centered Solutions

• Construction of a horse and buggy shelter for the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
• Design of larger labor and delivery rooms accommodating larger family sizes.
• Provision of separate kosher food storage in inpatient units to respect cultural dietary practices.

These initiatives exemplify how healthcare design can transcend minimum regulatory standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, to fulfill broader accessibility and cultural needs, supporting SDG 3 and SDG 10.

Business Case for Inclusive Healthcare Design

Inclusive design features, although sometimes increasing initial costs, contribute to long-term benefits including improved health outcomes and enhanced staff retention, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 3.

Key Inclusive Design Features

• Staff respite areas and private lactation rooms.
• Adult changing tables and all-gender, single-occupancy locker rooms.
• Sensory-friendly exam rooms for neurodivergent patients.
• Multilingual medical information accessibility.

These features empower patients and staff with dignity and respect, fostering a welcoming environment that encourages return visits and positive recommendations.

Impact on Staff Retention

According to the 2024 National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report by NSI Nursing Solutions Inc., healthcare staff turnover averages 20%, with 95% of terminations voluntary. Inclusive spaces that accommodate diverse needs contribute to reducing turnover, thus supporting SDG 8.

Building Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare Institutions

Investing in thoughtful, community-centered healthcare design enhances health outcomes, strengthens workforce stability, and builds resilient institutions aligned with SDG 3 and SDG 11. The cost of creating inclusive spaces is outweighed by the benefits to patients, staff, and communities.

Conclusion

Healthcare design that prioritizes inclusivity and community engagement is essential for achieving sustainable development in health systems. By exceeding minimum standards and embracing diversity, healthcare facilities can better serve their populations and contribute to global goals for health, equality, and sustainable communities.

Author

Kaitlyn Badlato, AIA, EDAC, LSSYB, WELL AP
Medical planner and architect at HKS (Washington, D.C.) and 2024 Healthcare Design magazine Rising Star.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on improving healthcare environments to enhance patient satisfaction, accessibility, and health outcomes.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Emphasis on inclusive design that accommodates diverse populations including neurodiverse patients, non-English speakers, and cultural groups such as the Amish community.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Community-informed design that responds to local needs and cultural practices, fostering inclusive and resilient healthcare institutions within communities.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on staff retention and creating supportive work environments through inclusive design, contributing to decent work conditions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services.
   • Target 3.c: Increase health financing and recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Patient Satisfaction and Visit Success
   • Implied indicators: Patient feedback on accessibility, comfort, and inclusiveness of healthcare facilities.
2. Staff Retention Rates
   • Explicitly mentioned: Staff turnover rate (e.g., 20% turnover with 95% voluntary terminations from NSI Nursing Solutions report).
3. Accessibility and Inclusiveness Measures
   • Indicators such as availability of sensory-friendly rooms, language accessibility, culturally appropriate facilities (e.g., kosher food storage), and private spaces for diverse needs (e.g., lactation rooms, all-gender locker rooms).
4. Community Engagement in Design Process
   • Indicators could include the extent of community consultation, demographic data integration, and staff/patient interviews conducted during design phases.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: healthcaredesignmagazine.com