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How can we reimagine the creation and sustainability of well-functioning, thriving, resilient health systems? For over 50 years, cq9�ټ��� has been working closely with healthcare providers on this critical challenge, redefining patient care today and in the future.

In this article, Minghao Chua, one of our architectural associates, shares insights on bringing complex healthcare projects to life and shaping the future of patient care. 

Tell us about your role at cq9�ټ���

I’m an architectural associate passionate about reimagining our healthcare landscape to enhance patient care and well-being. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on large-scale health infrastructure projects such as Alexandra Hospital in Singapore and the in Adelaide, Australia.

In my role, I lead various aspects of health planning, including space planning, clinical standardization, database management and digital process integration. I’m proud of the work we’re doing to redefine the future of healthcare and ensure the delivery of high-quality, efficient and effective patient care.

How are you solving our client’s biggest challenges?

Healthcare projects are inherently complex, often involving tight timelines and multifaceted stakeholder requirements. To tackle these challenges, I leverage digital tools and workflows innovatively.

For instance, I implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies and database systems like dRofus to streamline design, planning and procurement processes. These tools optimize workflows, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration and accelerate project delivery timelines, all while maintaining quality and safety.

What emerging trends are you seeing in healthcare design and planning, and how are they shaping the future of healthcare?

The healthcare industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the following key trends:

• Technology and artificial intelligence (AI): Big data, AI and automation are enabling more efficient care models and predictive healthcare strategies.
• Decentralized care: There's a growing positive emphasis on outpatient facilities and virtual health solutions, reducing reliance on traditional hospital-centric models. 
• Wellness for all: Healthcare design is expanding its focus to staff well-being, recognizing its critical role in long-term operational success.
• Pandemic readiness: Post-COVID-19, adaptable designs that support surge capacity and infection control are more critical than ever.

Our recent projects reflect these trends as we work with our clients to shape flexible, tech-enabled and human-centric healthcare environments.

What are the key benefits of standardization in healthcare planning?

Standardization ensures high-quality care is delivered consistently across facilities while reducing costs and operational complexity. 

For healthcare staff, standardized spaces enhance safety and operational efficiency by creating familiar, predictable environments — especially critical in high-stress situations. For patients, they foster reliability and trust, improving their experience and recovery. 

Additionally, standardized design elements, such as modular components, accelerate construction timelines and significantly reduce wastage, making projects more sustainable.

What are the biggest challenges in implementing standardized processes across healthcare facilities, and how do you overcome them?

From my experience, the biggest hurdles often involve change management and user buy-in. Standardization may seem restrictive to some stakeholders who prefer bespoke solutions. To some, standardized designs or processes may appear to limit flexibility and fail to address specific needs.

To overcome this, it’s essential to focus on education and training. Demonstrating how standardized approaches help deliver better care can create buy-in. Raising awareness of the benefits — such as enhanced patient and staff safety, operational efficiency and faster, cost-effective project delivery — can shift perspectives.

For example, we pilot healthcare models using virtual or physical mockups to show clients the benefits of standardized. This allows them to see firsthand how standardized workflows streamline operations and enhances healthcare planning, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and providers alike. 

Building trust with stakeholders and involving them early in discussions is critical to success. Clear communication, supported by data to highlighting the long-term benefits of standardization addresses concerns and fosters consensus. 

Can you provide examples of standardization strategies that have been successfully implemented?

One standardization strategy we’ve implemented in many projects, including the Alexandra Hospital, is developing a room hierarchy strategy for healthcare facilities. For Alexandra Hospital, this approach accelerated the delivery timeline while significantly reducing the need for extensive end-user engagement. 

The strategy uses high-level mapping of required clinical functionality and digital process integration to design standardized room layouts and accompanying components, such as bedhead panels, pendants and modular operating theatres. 

What are some of the critical factors to consider when developing standardized design or protocols for healthcare facilities?

While standardization offers numerous benefits, it’s vital to recognize that no single solution fits every situation. Design solutions must be flexible enough to adapt to unique clinical workflows and site constraints while also being future-proofed to meet evolving healthcare demands. 

Stakeholder alignment and regulatory compliance are also critical. Engaging end-users early ensures that standardized elements meet both operational and patient care needs and align with local and international healthcare codes and best practices.

How do you see healthcare design evolve in the next 10 years, and what are you most excited about?

I believe the future of healthcare design lies in personalization of patient care, the incorporation of technology and a focus on sustainability. Facilities are increasingly integrating AI for predictive care and adopting modular, adaptable designs to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. 

Another key trend is the growing focus on patient and staff well-being, which is inspiring the creation of spaces that promote healing, efficiency and sustainability. 

I’m excited about advancements in digital twin technology and virtual reality, which are set to revolutionize planning and operations while offering unparalleled precision and collaboration in healthcare.