Evidence-Based Design Fundamentals – Using Research to Maximize Outcomes | PDC Summit 2025

What is evidence-based design (EBD)? How can it improve health, safety and business outcomes? What do I need to know to start using EBD in my practice or on my next project?

This interactive session will introduce an evidence-based design (EBD) process and offer practical guidance to get started. Using a blend of educational content and experiential activities, this workshop will teach attendees about the EBD process, how to find and apply research to determine design interventions and strategies, and how to gather data to evaluate and continuously improve outcomes.

As financial pressures and performance expectations increase, new health care construction and major renovation projects are challenged to justify the project and demonstrate effectiveness and return on investment after completion. To support health care executives in making the business case for their design and construction decisions, there exists a vast and growing body of knowledge that links the design of the physical environment with a wide range of measurable improvements. By applying an evidence-based design process, health systems can maximize their capital investment by quantifiably improving patient safety, quality and satisfaction, enhancing workforce recruitment and retention and producing a multi-year return on investment.

Attendees will receive an EBD Toolkit to prepare them to be better clients and partners. Project examples that illustrate the application of and the business case for using the EBD process in a variety of settings will also be shared.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss why and how to apply an evidence-based design process.
• Explore how to find and evaluate research to inform your design decisions.
• Identify resources that can assist in applying evidence-based design.
• Apply these concepts to build a business case to achieve a multi-year return on investment.