The Pebble Project® Overview

What is the Pebble Project?

Launched in 2000, the Pebble Project is a joint research effort between The Center for Health Design, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization, and selected healthcare providers. The purpose of the work is to create a ripple effect in the healthcare community by providing researched and documented examples of healthcare facilities whose design has made a difference in the quality of care and financial performance of the institution.

Who are the Pebble Project Partners?

There are 43 active provider partners, seven industry partners, and six alumni. Meet Our Partners.

What Benefits do Pebble Project Partners Receive?

The greatest benefit Pebble Project partners receive is access to information and expertise. Meetings with other partners, The Center's board and research committee, and other industry experts offer incredible sharing and learning opportunities. High-level consulting and technical assistance to facilitate the research effort is also provided, as well as a proprietary research design methodology template.

Another benefit is recognition and visibility. All Pebble Project partners are co-publishers of research results and are promoted through The Center's website, educational programs, and international public relations efforts. Articles on Pebble Projects and Partners regularly appear in major industry publications.

What Types of Organizations Make Good Pebble Project Partners?

The best Pebble Project partners are healthcare providers with a relatively stable patient population, stable and interested senior management who are committed to doing research in this area, a stable and interested clinical support staff, and the financial resources to carry out the project's estimated cost. A high-level of enthusiasm and commitment to the work and sharing the information is also key.

What Stage of Planning, Design, & Construction Does My Project Have to Be?

While it is best to start the Pebble Project process as early as possible, the main requirement is project staging that still allows collection of baseline data; or existing pre-data.

What Kinds of Data is Collected?

Although it is up to each individual Pebble Project partner to define the scope of its research, The Center is most interested in the areas of clinical improvement, patient and family satisfaction, organizational change, and financial performance. View our preliminary data.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Pebble Project Partner?

A minimum three-year commitment is required at $35,000 per year for providers, $40,000 for manufacturers. Partners are responsible for covering all travel costs to attend an annual conference sponsored by The Center for Health Design, as well additional meetings.

How Do I Get More Information & An Application?

For a complete prospectus and application, e-mail or call Mark Goodman at tel. 925.521.9404.