Hospital Design And Its Tie To The Healing Process

When it comes to measuring the success of a hospital building design, it’s to little surprise that strides are typically attributed to the doctors and nurses and the equipment and medicines available.

And they certainly should be.

But what about the building itself? Can a building be built for better patient care? Can a smarter structure enhance the healing process for patients?

With just a little research, like this infographic on better hospital floor plans, you’ll find the answer to that is a very resounding “yes.”

Safety first

While it might seem like a no-brainer, The Korte Company always likes to emphasize that safety is the first priority in building an environment conducive to healing. As we noted in our infographic about great hospital floor plans, the best hospitals plan for security and user safety at the very beginning of their design process. Mandatory security and safety checks are a must, and obstacles in floor plan design should be kept to an absolute minimum. This is essential. A safe, secure patient is one step closer to being a healthier patient.

Navigation should be flawless

A hospital that’s not user-friendly really isn’t a healthy hospital. The layout and floor plan for a healthcare facility need to be given a great deal of thought – from the perspectives of patients, doctors and visitors.

Because healthcare facilities are often large and complex, windows that look out on exterior landmarks help users navigate with ease. Additionally, smart hospitals offer electronic versions of their facilities’ floor plans, making it easier for everyone involved. A hospital with a healthy environment provides information and indicates locations in multiple languages, but use simple terms instead of medical jargon. Flow is something that should be considered in great detail – after all, in an emergency setting, seconds can be the difference between life and death.

Calming presence

Finally, the environment needs to be calming. As designers of healthcare floor plans, we’re seeing an increase in the use of natural light in hospital designs due to the link between natural light and the healing process. Improving amenities can sometimes be as simple as adding calming distractions, such as plants and water features. By incorporating natural surroundings like indoor gardens, landscapes or aquariums into a floor plan, the patient is given a much more pleasant environment. This is important to the healing process. Reducing environmental stressors creates a welcoming environment for all patients, their families and staff members.

Subtle changes in hospital design can prove to be difference makers for everyone in and out of their doors. For instance, designing a separate entrance and exit for mental health patients is a best practice. Connections and access to natural elements, such as courtyards or terraces, should be clearly defined. Use the design to maximize unused space in exam rooms; incorporating things like chamfered corners makes a huge impact. Carefully considering ergonomics and layout helps to make work patterns more efficient and stress-free. The building should never add stress to the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital.

Reference:

Retrieved September, 2012, from:

http://www.korteco.com/white-papers/clinic-design-recommendations-design-phase

http://www.korteco.com/hospital-floor-plans/

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