Design of healthcare facilities with an emphasis on environmental health features

Abstract This study aims to critically analyze the integration of environmental health features into the design and construction processes of healthcare facilities in Slovenia, evaluate their impact on the well-being of patients and staff, and develop more holistic and sustainable design approaches. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, beginning with a qualitative analysis of national and international legal requirements and recommendations for constructing healthcare facilities in Slovenia, focusing on environmental health. The second step involved qualitative research through a case study, including short interviews with stakeholders to gather insights on applying environmental health criteria in construction projects. In the third step, recommendations for constructing healthcare facilities were defined, synthesizing findings from previous steps. By applying the six-step engineering design methodology and evidence-based approach, we presented the most critical areas of environmental health using the example of a 400-bed hospital. Our research results have significant practical value for all phases of healthcare facility construction, effectively raising stakeholder awareness