An audit of the content and quality in briefs for Swedish healthcare spaces

Abstract

Purpose

Initial briefs (programs) were examined in order to obtain an overview of current practice in documenting the briefing process for new health care buildings in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

An audit instrument was developed and used to examine briefs for the content and quality of information and to determine whether and to what extent the information was comprehensive and patient‐oriented.

Findings

The results indicate that few strategic briefs make use of evidence to support their statements. Moreover, few briefs had an explicitly patient‐focused goal for the project or measurable outcomes.

Originality/value

This new audit approach can be applied in various organisations and over time to improve the briefing process and create clearer goals and guidelines.

Citation

Elf, M. and Malmqvist, I. (2009), "An audit of the content and quality in briefs for Swedish healthcare spaces", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 198-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/14725960910971478