Joan Suchomel, SOM Director and Senior Medical Planner, recently earned the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) credential. Granted by The Center for Health Design, the EDAC credential sets Suchomel apart as an expert who utilizes evidence-based design processes to drive the design of healthcare facilities. Internationally recognized, it is awarded to professionals across the healthcare industry, bringing together architects, designers, researchers, and healthcare providers working to improve healthcare design.
Most recently, Suchomel and the SOM design team utilized evidence-based design methods to shape the improvement and expansion of The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. For the campus’ new Joint and Spine Center, Suchomel and the team consulted published studies that link the built environment to improved patient outcomes, as well as patient and staff satisfaction. Original research comparing the new patient unit to the existing unit is in the planning stages.
Using evidence-based design processes helps healthcare project stakeholders leverage pertinent quantitative and qualitative research in order to inform decisions throughout all phases of development and design. This, in turn, produces healthcare facilities that better serve patient and staff needs over both the short and long term.