Authors (including presenting author) :
TSANG CC(1), Lai TW(1), Mak SC(1), Lau WY(1), Cheng HK(1), Chu CW(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Kowloon West Cluster Planning and Commissioning Team, Kowloon West Cluster
Introduction :
To ensure that the outcome of hospital redevelopment and expansion projects can meet the actual needs of hospital users, engaging users’ participation in the planning stage is paramount. Nonetheless, many users do not possess technical knowledge and find it hard to provide the information needed in the Room Data Sheet (RDS), which may result in deviations from one’s expectations with the project outcome. This extract aims at resolving this challenge and facilitating the data collection process.
Objectives :
To propose solutions to assist users in completing the Room Data Sheet (RDS).
Methodology :
Room Data Sheet (RDS) is a form containing technical requirements of a room or an area, with data ranging from build-in fixtures & furniture, building services installations and so on. Without sufficient technical knowledge or assistive materials, end-users are hard to identify all technical requirements needed. In view of this, two recommendations are put forth to resolve the situation.
Result & Outcome :
1. Provision of Frequently Asked Questions By consolidating previous feedback from end-users, Cluster planning team can prepare a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and provide the answers to each question. Take RDS Section B.10.1 Building Services Provisions for Equipment Procured and Installed by Users as an example. Users often enquire how to obtain the required data like power rating and heat dissipation of their equipment procured and installed. In view of this, Cluster Planning Team can provide the guidance on technical data collection, like advising users to obtain maintenance manuals or product catalogues from their equipment suppliers. With the provision of FAQs, users will find it easier to provide the right piece of data required in the RDS. 2. Provision of Photo References and Usual Practice For some questions in RDS, answers can be quite generic and applicable to users across different departments. For instance, in an office setting, the finishes specifications of ceiling and wall are the same or very alike among different departments. In this case, Cluster Planning Team can provide a list of photo references and usual practice shared among a majority of hospital users, and suggest users to input the standard option. Users can, of course, choose another option which is supported with reasonable justifications. With more references and guidance provided by Cluster Planning Team to end- users, the efficiency, validity and reliability of data collection can be enhanced. Therefore, it is expected that the project outcome can better meet operational needs and enhance users’ satisfaction.