Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in Healthcare Facilities: A Study of Sehat Al Sharq at Al Khobar, KSA

This paper covers the existing theories and practices in the field of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, with a special focus on Healthcare Projects. The intention is to address the gap between theory and practice. Safety and security are basic human needs for peaceful existence. Patient safety and security have always been concerns in the successful operation of a healthcare setup. Nowadays, patient-centric healthcare service has given a competitive edge to hospitals; therefore, safety against crime has become very crucial for hospitals. Other than the patients, safety and security for staff and visitors are equally important. Safety from data theft and breaches of privacy are other concerns in the healthcare setup. The design approach of best practices, like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, seeks to create safer spaces through detailed design principles and strategies, and guidelines issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. The majority of evidence suggests that designing the physical environment while considering safety features like Access Control, CCTV, Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor, Public Addressable System, and Duress Alarm for healthcare setups, duress alarms have proved to be life-saving measures that are used to alert hospital staff and security personnel when an individual is in need of emergency assistance. In this paper, a qualitative research methodology is used as a case study, and physical observations to collect qualitative data and analysis of Sehat Al Sharq Hospital, Al Khobar, KSA, shall be included to identify and propose solution factors affecting the design challenges related to CPTED. Furthermore, it aims to recommend a roadmap to address design constraints, optimize efficiency, and improve safety and patient care in the healthcare facility.