Design of a radiology department

The radiology department of Linköping University Hospital in Sweden was built some 40 years ago; patient type and needs have changed and they have outgrown the facility. Daylight is limited and patient flow is inefficient, affecting patients and staff.

Philips Healthcare Tranformation Services Nordic region and Philips Design were approached to support with a current and future needs based strategic design project for Linkoping’s radiology department, optimizing the patient experience and the care flow for the staff. Patient volume and improved productivity were key ‘issues’ that needed to be addressed. 

Approach

Philips consultants took an integrated healthcare transformation approach (360° assessment) including a fast and cost-effective planning and redesign process addressing the clinical and operational needs, technology innovation and patient and staff experience.   

Our consultants started with a five day on site field visit, including interviews, shadowing and observation sessions of key stakeholders, staff, patients and family in conjunction with data analysis. The current layout and technical organization of the department of radiology were analyzed. 

Insights in critical improvement opportunities for both patient and staff experience as well as workflow were identified using our unique experience flow mapping tool. 

The team developed a concept design based on the identified functional and experience needs. This concept design included a zoning plan for patients, relatives and staff improving the careflow and comfort in areas such as the reception, waiting room, examination room and other functional areas. A schematic design with functional spaces, the medical equipment and corridors was also included. 

Our consultants facilitated Cocreate and design review sessions with stakeholders to define the desired patient journey and the patient and staff experience design strategy. 

The design plan helps the new department:

• have a tailored layout around patient journey and staff workflows
• optimize capacity by maximizing space and flexibility
• foster an optimal environment for patient experience and staff wellbeing
• be positioned as knowledge center for complicated cases.

The team also identified studies and modalities to be moved to an outpatient clinic, ensuring the more complex cases are treated at the university hospital.

Results* 

The radiology department currently reviews the costs of the construction against other projects, before a final decision is made. The customer has expressed an interest in continuing the collaboration with Philips, either related to the design of the outpatient department or service design within the inpatient department.