Recent interest in evidence-based design (EBD) by the U.S. healthcare industry has led to new questions
about how to best use this knowledge to improve the efficiency, safety, quality, and sustainability of new
or existing facilities. Proponents of EBD claim that it enhances healthcare outcomes by utilizing
empirical research to drive decision-making during all phases of healthcare facility planning, design, and
construction It has yet to be shown, however, how the benefits of the EBD can outweigh the upfront costs
and lead to a sustained competitive advantage. We examine this possibility by using the resource-based
view (RBV) and reviewing the literature over the last several decades.Then, we discuss EBD as a
strategic resource by applying the RBV criteria, including value, rareness, inimitability and nonsubstitutability. Lastly, we develop propositions for future empirical studies by considering isolating
mechanisms, such as organizational culture, unique historical conditions, and causal ambiguity that
could successfully operationalize EBD into a strategic resource.
