Lessons learned: seven keys to a successful replacement hospital project.

T his article, the last in this series, focuses on the lessons learned through our experience with participating in more than 20 replacement facility projects. It discusses the key elements that make such a project successful. First, a definition of “successful” is in order. A successful project is one that is not only completed on time and on budget but also results in improved market share, operational efficiency, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and staff retention. Overall, it is difficult to generalize about success, as each project has unique issues and orientations. However, projects that have achieved great outcomes share consistent elements, which are categorized below.