The Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) project was initiated in 2005 by the Australian State and Territory Health Departments, and the New Zealand Ministry of Health…
Abstract
Purpose
The Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG) project was initiated in 2005 by the Australian State and Territory Health Departments, and the New Zealand Ministry of Health to guide hospital development in the Australasian region. This paper shares the results of a 2010 survey of guidelines users in three of the health jurisdictions, conducted to understand whether the anticipated project benefits were being achieved and to seek suggestions for future improvements.
Design/methodology/approach
AusHFG users were surveyed using an electronic survey instrument. Data gathered included demographic information regarding the users and their projects, user views on the achievement of the anticipated benefits and their suggestions for future improvements to the AusHFG.
Findings
In total, 152 people commenced the survey, with fewer fully completing it. Responses were generally positive and supportive of the project. Useful commentary was received regarding possible improvements; some of this illustrated user confusion regarding the purpose and inherent limitations of guidelines of this type.
Research limitations/implications
The survey was conducted in only three out of a possible nine health jurisdictions – it could be further extended to these other jurisdictions in the future.
Practical implications
The research illustrated the need to identify, and to communicate clearly, regularly and effectively with key project stakeholders to ensure user feedback and support for using health design guidelines.
Originality/value
This is the first survey to be conducted of Australian and New Zealand users of health design guidelines. It provides useful feedback to those developing and implementing health guidelines, especially regarding the format, content and delivery of guideline information.
Details
Keywords
Jane Carthey, Venny Chandra and Martin Loosemore
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of FM preparedness required to deal with the risks to healthcare delivery posed by climate change‐related extreme weather…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of FM preparedness required to deal with the risks to healthcare delivery posed by climate change‐related extreme weather events.
Design/methodology/approach
Selected stakeholders were invited to participate in targeted focus groups that, using the ROMS methodology, explored the status of current knowledge and preparedness of the NSW health system to deal with the expected demands imposed by increasing incidences of extreme weather events. Findings are summarised and discussed in terms of the key stakeholder objectives identified. Further areas of required research are then discussed.
Findings
The key objectives of the stakeholders were readily agreed, however a lack of information regarding the quantifiable impacts forecast to be associated with climate change constrained the development of other than generic strategies for dealing with these impacts. Further areas of research included assessment of changing demand for health services, likely physical impacts on facilities and their adequacy in coping with these, implementation strategies for augmenting coping capacity and associated costs, plus the need for integrating disaster planning and management strategies to ensure the continuity of operation of health facilities during extreme weather events.
Originality/value
The paper outlines the status of current knowledge regarding the likely impact of climate change‐related extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure. It explores key issues and determines where future work should be undertaken to ensure that rigorous FM responses are available to cope with a clear and identified threat to the health of the Australian, and similar communities.