Evidence-based design and transformative service research for the healthcare in hospitals : Setting the research agenda

Purpose The purpose of this study is to combine the two fields of transformative service research (TSR) and evidence-based design (EBD) to improve the healthcare service provided in hospitals. TSR and EBD are two separate research fields that aim to improve the well-being of consumers within the service sector. Research propositions for making changes in the hospital physical environment to improve the patient well-being are developed to link the two fields. Design/methodology/approach This work takes a theoretical approach to develop research propositions based on the literature. The research propositions guide the development of the framework developed for future studies under TSR and EBD. Findings The research propositions should be tested empirically in future studies to develop a methodology for transforming a hospital physical environment. The implementation of these propositions would allow hospitals to reach a new and more sustainable competitive advantage. Originality/value The relationship between the domains of TSR and EBD has not been explored before in the literature. This study presents an unprecedented work that is needed to improve patient well-being. It contributes to TSR and EBD by providing a research agenda for healthcare practitioners and researchers to pave the way for achieving improved healthcare services focusing on patient well-being and sustainability.