The Development of a Life-Cycle-Based Sustainability Index That Incorporates Patient-Centredness for Assessing and Reporting the Sustainability of Healthcare Buildings in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to develop and test a life-cycle-based sustainability index that incorporates patient-centredness for assessing and reporting the sustainability of healthcare buildings in Saudi Arabia. The research strategy follows a triangulation method approach to meet the objective of this research. Semi-structured interviews were initially employed in developing sustainable healthcare building indicators based on a previously conducted literature review that explored sustainable building in Saudi Arabia. Then, a scoping review protocol including the Delphi technique was used to develop patient-centredness care, PCC, indicators. Questionnaire surveys were also employed in data collection for industry investigation and patient involvement. Lastly, case study practice tests were conducted involving a specialised hospital and a pre-occupant hospital for indicator verification. A set of sustainability indicators were developed to assess and report the sustainability performance of healthcare buildings. Patient-centredness indicators were also developed and incorporated into the resulting index. A case study practice test was conducted to confirm the feasibility of all final resulting indicators. The research study contributes towards a holistic approach to assess and report sustainability in healthcare buildings incorporating patient-centredness. The objectives of the research include (1) the development of sustainable healthcare indicators (primary indicators); (2) the development of patient-centredness indicators (secondary indicators); and (3) indicator practice tests for validation. The resulting index could be implemented to assess and report sustainability in healthcare buildings, and it could be a pivotal step to shift to sustainable patient-centred healthcare buildings in Saudi Arabia.