Technological Institute of the Philippines
Summary
In the Philippines, the surge in lung-related diseases is no different from what is happening worldwide. As stated
in the Philippine Health Statistics (2019) by the Department of Health (DOH), Acute respiratory tract infection
ranks first as the predominant cause of morbidity, accounting for 1,164,944 cases overall. This is followed by
Pneumonia in the 6th spot and Bronchitis in the 9th spot. Even before the start of the COVID-19 virus, illnesses
in the respiratory system are prevalent in the country. In fact, the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) was
established in 1981 because these kinds of illnesses were becoming more common. Since the LCP is in Quezon
City, National Capital Region (NCR), it might not be easy to get to from other regions that might need special
care. Experts and specialists say that these diseases can be prevented and treated with early intervention, health
education programs, vaccinations, and quick medical care. Thus, many Filipinos need access to facilities that
offer treatment and services for respiratory difficulties.
Central Luzon- Region III has garnered the most lung related disease cases among all the regions in the country
based on the most recent data from Philippine Health Statistics 2019. Moreover, the top three provinces in
Central Luzon that are affected by this disease are Bulacan, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
The proposed project, “Lung Center of the Philippines – Central Luzon” is a subnational of the existing Lung
Center of the Philippines in Quezon City. The project is positioned to be a pioneer of specialized care for the
lungs in the regional aspect of Central Luzon due to its rising cases as provided by the data from the Department
of Health. This is also aligned with the Health Facility Development Plan of DOH, as they are planning to provide
more specialty centers among different regions in the Philippines that need it.
Moreover, it focused on identifying the needed services, accommodations, spaces, and requirements in
establishing a specialty hospital for respiratory diseases. It also goes beyond the application of the
psychosocially supportive design approach through the application of Biophilia as a Salutogenic design in
healthcare facilities.
Through different design features, highlights, and innovations, the integration of nature and its connection to the
users- became the main framework of the approach in designing the proposed project. It veers away from the
usual design approach of public hospitals in the Philippines which is bleak, sterile, and intimidating. It took
advantage of the Biophilia and Salutogenic approach in making the hospital welcoming and less frightening
through different strategies in designing both the exterior and the indoor environment of the hospital.
Conclusion
The proposed “Lung Center of the Philippines – Central Luzon” is a regional specialty hospital that will help in
addressing the rising cases of lung-related disease in Region III. This will aid in accommodating patients from
its provinces as well as its surrounding regions in acquiring services for lung health interventions. Through state-
of-the-art diagnostics and treatments, the facility will play an important role in promoting lung care among its
primary and secondary users.
The key component in making the hospital work and be effective is the allocation of specific facilities and spaces
needed. Different provisions and services that range from outpatient clinics, emergency, radiology, laboratory,
rehabilitation, specialized treatments, sleep medicine, thoracic oncology, thoracic surgery, and anesthesia
including the administration facilities that help in the smooth operation of the hospital, and also the support
amenities that assist on the needs of the equipment and different procedure are some of the key factors that are
considered.
Moreover, the application of Biophilia as a Salutogenic approach was vastly applied through different strategies
and design solutions. The utilization of nature as the main theme for salutogenesis became a way to re-envision
the typical hospitals in the Philippines. Time spent in nature is an effective stress reliever, according to studies.
It might decrease blood pressure, lessen stress hormone levels, calm the nervous system, boost the immune
system, boost self-esteem, lessen anxiety, and enhance mood. The integration of biophilia and salutogenesis
serves as a framework for achieving a sense of coherence that leads to a more psychosocially supportive design
that makes healing faster. The introduction of healing gardens, courtyards, interior garden, roof deck garden,
and parks are a few of the main components that highlight the approach in the project.
Overall, designing a specialty hospital while integrating a new approach is quite a challenging task. Aside from
the provisions, standards and rules that are applied in the project, a lot of considerations should be made to
make the hospital safe, effective, and sustainable.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are suggested for related studies in the field of planning healthcare facilities and
specialty hospitals:
• As the population increases, the number of people with lung diseases will likely increase over time. Developing
specialty hospitals for the lungs in different regions in the Philippines will surely be beneficial in the future. Health
facilities in the Philippines should also be proactive in the surge of the diseases such as the ongoing COVID-19
Virus, with this, the need for additional beds and health facilities will be a demand.
• Integrating international standards in planning a healthcare facility as well as world-class services for lung care
is also suggested to ensure that the hospital will cater to the needs of the users. Technologies and innovations
should also be applied and considered.
• The application of Biophilia and Salutogenesis should go beyond the physical features that can be incorporated
into the design. The effects on the psychological and emotional aspects of the users should be well thought out
to ensure that the design solutions will be applicable and effective to the given context.
• Choosing materials that are sustainable and cost-effective will be a great way in reducing the cost of the
development. Although public hospitals should be low in cost, the aesthetic of the design should still be a primary
feature since the indoor and outdoor environment of the facility will dictate how will the users respond and take
in their surroundings.
• It is also advisable that student researchers also consult with health facility planners as well as doctors or any
stakeholders who have first-hand experience with how a hospital works.
• Other factors to consider that can further improve health facility planning are: building biology, thermal factor,
field of comfort, comprehensive building systems and detailed building technologies.
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