ABSTRACT
Two important evidence-based tools in the UK design quality improvement agenda are Achieving Excellence Design Evaluation Toolkit (AEDET) and its plug-in A Staff/Patient Environment Calibration Tool (ASPECT). Although launched in 1994, AEDET was first published in November 2001 as a health care sector standard, a best practice guide for the evaluation of design quality. The improved version addressed major concerns about AEDET's source of authority, ease of use and issues of reliability. Guidance is given on the main sections of AEDET Evolution, impact, build quality and functionality. A compliance layer would address issues relating to compliance with specific legislation, Health Building Notes, Health Technical Memoranda and other NHS technical guidance. The post-project evaluation incorporates a post-occupancy evaluation with a focus on the satisfaction and behavior of the users. During the development of the Ideas tool/gallery we have sought to demonstrate the usefulness of applying the tool on actual hospitals or other health care projects.
