OhioHealth’s Dublin Methodist Hospital is securing philanthropic support for its innovative, evidence-based design concepts before its doors are even open. The gift comes from Karlsberger, the lead architectural firm for the new hospital, which is scheduled to open in late 2007.  Karlsberger recently announced their gift to establish the Karlsberger Research and Education Fund.

“This gift signifies Karlsberger’s profound belief in the many design and technological advances being implemented at Dublin Methodist Hospital and other forward-thinking facilities across the country,” said Richard Barger, chief executive officer, Karlsberger.  “We are proud to be a part of this project and we are eager to learn more about how these design concepts help patients, their families and their caregivers.”

“Through this fund, Dublin Methodist Hospital will help secure a research professional to study the effects of facility design on our patients and caregivers,” said Dublin Methodist Hospital president Cheryl Herbert, RN.  “Research will be conducted to determine, among other things, how design innovations affect recovery times, patient safety and staff retention.”

Dublin Methodist Hospital, scheduled to open in late 2007, is utilizing the research and experience of leading national healthcare organizations to create a healing environment through the use of sound design and research. The hospital is participating as a partner in the Pebble Project, a joint research project between the Center for Health Design (a nonprofit research and advocacy organization) and its participating organizations created to share design concepts and their outcomes.

Initially, Dublin Methodist Hospitalwill have 94 beds but could eventually expand to as many as 300. The 300,000-square-foot, full-service hospital will include an emergency department, inpatient and outpatient surgery services, labor and delivery, general medical/surgical services and intensive care rooms.

As a Pebble Project participant, Dublin Methodist Hospital is incorporating natural light, noise reduction, family-friendly spaces and other design initiatives aimed at improving clinical efficiency, patient outcomes and staff retention, and will scientifically measure the impact.

“We are pleased to help build the body of evidence that will support this innovative type of hospital design,” said Barger. “Ultimately, it is our hope that additional studies will be made possible as our research fund grows and we begin to share the results industry-wide.  We anticipate solid results that will significantly impact and encourage design improvements at hospitals across the country and with our peers in the design profession.”