A Comparative Analysis on the Applicability of Current Operating Theater Design Standards in Public Hospitals in Türkiye

Objectives: This article aims to provide a resource on operating theater design by examining current design standards implemented for this department in Türkiye. It is also aimed to present various suggestions for solutions by revealing the extent to which these standards are implemented in hospitals, their widespread applicability levels, and the positive/negative situations encountered. Background: Operating theaters should be meticulously planned to provide a sterile environment. Although planning principles have undergone profound changes, when the current literature is examined, it is seen that a sufficient number of comprehensive studies on the subject have not yet been conducted. Methods: To create a perspective on how these standards are addressed in the projects of the hospitals and what kind of results are achieved in practice, the operating theaters of three hospitals, which were constructed based on the design standards published by the Ministry of Health, are comparatively examined. Results: This study reveals that the applications implemented within the framework of the new design standards have significantly contributed to the control of the sterility level of the space, together with the implementation of new spatial zoning principles and the addition of new units. Conclusions: The findings express that it is necessary to make scenarios and plans that consider possible problems encountered in design and construction processes when creating standards. Future studies can shed light on the applicability of the relevant design standards and the difficulties encountered.