In the Joint Commissions' Planning and Design book we find the problem described as;

The impact of the health care trends of living longer and healthier through better building design is a laudable approach, but it may not always be an affordable one. In recent years, the health care market in the United States has been wrestling with cost containment due to annual health care costs that, until recently, have far exceeded the consumer price index.

In addition, the market is redefining itself following passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislation of March 2010. The ACA, while increasing the number of insured patients, is also reducing the level of reimbursements provided to hospitals and providers; this further exacerbates the pressure to reduce the costs of providing care. (2015).

What types of design features can healthcare facility designers incorporate to improve facility design and reduce the cost of providing care?

The Joint Commission (2015). Planning, Design, and Construction of Health Care Facilities.

Joint Commission Resources. Retrieved:

https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/-/media/jci/jci-documents/offerings/advisory-services/industry-services-program/ebpdc15sample.pdf?db=web&hash=5A79570EBAAEDFE3A2E8D408DEF5672D