Assessment of Circulation Systems and Movement Efficiency within Pediatric Healthcare Environments in Selected Hospitals in Lagos State.

Efficient circulation systems are essential in healthcare architecture because they influence accessibility, operational efficiency, infection control, wayfinding, and the overall healthcare experience. In pediatric healthcare facilities, circulation planning is particularly important due to the unique needs of children, caregivers, healthcare personnel, and visitors. However, many pediatric hospitals in Lagos State continue to experience movement congestion, poor wayfinding, fragmented departmental relationships, and inefficient circulation patterns that hinder service delivery and user satisfaction.
This study evaluates circulation systems and movement efficiency in selected pediatric healthcare facilities in Lagos State using a mixed-methods case study approach. The selected case studies are the Pediatric Department of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, and Lifeline Children’s Hospital, Surulere. Data were collected through direct observation, architectural analysis, photographic documentation, a structured questionnaire survey administered to 35 healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, administrators, and facility managers) across both facilities, and a review of relevant literature.The findings reveal that effective circulation systems significantly improve healthcare functionality, workflow continuity, accessibility, patient supervision, emotional comfort, and the overall user experience. The study concludes that well-planned circulation is fundamental to efficient pediatric healthcare delivery. It recommends the integration of child-centered wayfinding systems, therapeutic movement spaces, coordinated circulation hierarchies, and evidence-based planning strategies to enhance the functionality, safety, and user experience of contemporary pediatric healthcare facilities in Lagos State.

Pediatric healthcare facilities, circulation systems, movement efficiency

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