| Title |
The Transformation and Spatial Characteristics of Korean Inpatient Care Units in Response to Changes in Healthcare Policies |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.2.141 |
| Keywords |
Korean Inpatient Care Unit; Healthcare Policy; Facility Standard; Space Syntax |
| Abstract |
This study highlights the correlation between healthcare policies and inpatient care units through a comparative analysis of healthcare policy
transformations, facility standards, and inpatient care units in Korea since the 1900s. The analysis also examines the spatial characteristics of
case studies to confirm this correlation. The review covers healthcare policies, facility standards, and inpatient care units, selecting eight units,
one from each period, to analyze their spatial structures and characteristics. The spatial analysis revealed that, since the 2000s, the distance
between nursing stations, support services, and patient rooms has decreased, with the spatial structure evolving from a tree structure to an
annular tree structure. This change suggests increased efficiency and care intensity among patients, staff, and support services. Additionally,
the deepening of space indicates that efficiency, care intensity, and privacy influence the spatial design of inpatient care units. If Korea's
healthcare policy shifts toward a demand-oriented approach, this study predicts that hospital medical planning will prioritize healthcare
efficiency and quality. |