Milestone achieved, as evidence-based design becomes a top 2012 strategy for healthcare organizations
CONCORD, CA - More than 1,000 individuals in the healthcare and design industry have become EDAC certified since The Center for Health Design launched the program in 2009. EDAC (Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification) is an internationally recognized program that awards credentials to individuals who demonstrate an understanding of how to apply an evidence-based process (EBD) to the design and construction of healthcare settings. The mission of the program was to create a “community" of industry professionals by providing education and assessment about evidence-based design. While most EDAC certified individuals are design professionals, 7% are healthcare professionals, 2% are students and 6% are product manufacturers.
“As an interior designer, the EDAC certification definitely raises the bar and shows a level of competency regarding research,” says Barbara Dellinger, MA, AAHID, IIDA, CID, EDAC, Associate Vice President at HDR Architecture Inc. “For me, the essence of EDAC is being able to interpret the results of research studies and to share that information with the various disciplines involved in the design of our projects. This includes medical planning, equipment planning, architecture, MEP, and landscape architecture, so when I have information or knowledge to share, I do now … because I have the research to back it up. In the past, before EDAC, I may not have been so bold when I felt strongly about something. Now I don’t back down. It’s amazing how it has broadened the communication between all of the disciplines.”
EDAC certification is achieved by passing an exam that assesses an individual’s ability to understand and implement this process into all types of healthcare design, construction, renovation, expansions, and replacement facilities. Until the EDAC program was launched there had not been a standard definition or defined process for implementing evidence-based design. The key differences between using EBD and the typical project delivery is that relevant research is used to educate the team and guide the development of design strategies and after the project is completed results are measured, evaluated and reported creating new research to add to the body of knowledge in the industry.
“Having more than 1,000 individuals EDAC certified is a milestone for the program,” said Debra Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Center for Health Design. “The American Hospital Association lists utilizing evidence-based practices to improve quality and patient safety as one of the top four “must-do” strategies in 2012, so this is important for healthcare organizations. Buildings are one of their largest capital investments, and, when using an evidence-based process, design can be linked to achieving improved patient, staff, environmental, and operational outcomes.”
Test preparation includes reading the EDAC Study Guides (volumes 1-3) and other related books and papers, along with the exam content outline, attending study sessions, and taking a sample exam that helps assess readiness for the actual exam. The first of the three EDAC study guides, “An Introduction to Evidence-Based Design,” is available for free download on The Center for Health Design’s website. Hard copies of this 170-page book are also available for at no cost except for shipping.
About The Center for Health Design
The Center for Health Design (CHD) is a nonprofit organization that engages and supports professionals and organizations in the healthcare, construction, and design industry to improve the quality of healthcare facilities and create new environments for healthy aging. CHD’s mission is to transform healthcare environments for a healthier, safer world through design research, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.healthdesign.org.
Media Relations Contact:
Linda P. Franklin
(925) 521-9404 ext. 123
lfranklin [at] healthdesign [dot] org
