Whether it's a patient waiting to be seen or admitted, or a family awaiting news about a loved one, the environment in the waiting room is an area ripe for improvement. It doesn't need to feel like a bus station with uncomfortable seats in rows that hinder face-to-face communication. Moreover, a dingy and uninviting waiting area can reduce confidence in the overall quality of care provided by the facility.

A sense of warmth can go a long way toward addressing these concerns, as can furnishings in comfortable designs and fabrics that accommodate different body styles and sizes. The idea is to create, as much as possible, a feeling of home through residential-style pieces arranged in groups.

Innovations

Since seating is a critical element in waiting areas, ergonomic designs, such as the Steelcase Embold collection, incorporate curved backs for comfort and support, flexible materials to accommodate moderate movement in a range of sizes and seating configurations, and hip-height and bariatric support options. Ancillary pieces like tables in various shapes and sizes also contribute to variety in the space and a home-like feel.

Exam Rooms

Key Trend:  Communication and Patient-Centered Care

The days of an exam table with cold paper, the doctor seated on a rolling stool, and perhaps a computer on the wall are fading fast. A new model of care is on the rise that seeks to blend the latest technology, involvement of the family, and the overall evolving needs of both patients and physicians. In addition, as that experience starts to encompass discussions about lifestyle and behavior, a new kind of environment is taking shape that encourages active participation by all parties involved.

Essentially, this trend represents a move away from physician-centered care toward a more patient-centered approach. At the same time, balancing efficiency and high patient loads with patient satisfaction and potential physician burnout is a central concern.

Innovations

Enhanced interaction with patients can be supported by space layouts that encourage eye-to-eye contact and easy sharing of information. An example is seating that places physician, patient and others like family members at the same height. The same applies to the placement of monitors for the electronic display of information. Patients may also need to plug in a personal device to share data. Round tables help facilitate face-to-face conversions. And “residential” style furnishings can contribute to a more relaxed and open environment.

Patient Rooms

Key Trend: Support for Family and Guests

A stay in the hospital can range from an overnight for observation or a simple procedure to several days or even weeks for more serious situations. Regardless of the duration, anytime a family member is under care can be a very stressful time for all concerned. And that stress can have an impact on patient comfort, recovery time and ongoing care after being released.

Family and friends can have a meaningful effect on the patient in many ways. But, all too often, they're crammed into a small area or have to sleep in an uncomfortable chair. They also have limited or no access to storage, work surfaces or charging stations for mobile devices. Having critical conversations (with both the patient and clinicians), sharing meals and simply spending quality time together is difficult.

Innovations

An example of addressing many of these needs in a single unit is the sofa-style Surround collection from Steelcase that features a high-recline arm for reclined postures, an integrated sliding table, ambient lighting for reading, a fold-down sleeper, power outlets and USB port in the arms, open storage for personal belongings, and access to the floor for fast and effective cleaning.

Biophilia

Key Trend: Bringing the Outside In

Most of us appreciate how meaningful a connection to nature can be. Studies have indicated that it can help reduce stress, enhance concentration and boost job satisfaction. So what can incorporating the “outside” into healthcare facilities accomplish?

Positive effects can include distraction from the overall stress of undergoing a health issue, visiting the doctor or staying in the hospital as well as anxiety reduction, mood elevation and even pain management. Today's approach to biophilia goes beyond simply bringing in a few plants to place around the room and toward activities that appeal to all our senses.

Innovations

Textiles using patterns, colors, materials and textures can bring natural shapes and images into spaces that create a calming effect. Natural surfaces like wood can humanize spaces. Water features add smooth motion and a comforting sound. Gardens can produce pleasing smells. Terraces, balconies and courtyards can function as areas for recharging and meditation.

Telemedicine

Key Trend: Evolving Technology

Telemedicine uses electronic information and telecommunications systems to facilitate a wide range of long-distance activities in areas including care, education and administration. Advantages encompass improved efficiencies, reduced costs, convenience and extended access to care as well as real-time patient monitoring and patient self-reporting.

Effective use of telemedicine is helping providers and patients alike transcend the limitations of physical facilities by leveraging innovations in technology. In the process, the cost of a “visit” with a physician can be reduced significantly. The practice can also lead to a reduction in hospitalizations, fewer visits to emergency centers and even increased patient survival rates.

Centers within hospitals or separate facilities dedicated to telemedicine can link patients, physicians, nurses and others literally around the world and within the same facility.

Innovations

These spaces can include collaboration areas as well as private spaces for secure patient monitoring and interaction. Technology considerations include data displays, camera placement, networking and security, teleconferencing and system uptime (on-site or via cloud). Ergonomics cover lighting, acoustics, screen placement, desk adjustability, supportive seating, and adaptable work surfaces. Raised flooring as well as demountable panels and walls can be important if periodic expansion or reconfiguration of the space is anticipated.

Overcoming traditional and preconceived notions about healthcare practices can sometimes stand in the way of accommodating change and moving into the future. But, with the demands from all fronts for enhancing the patient experience and the quality of care along with managing costs, we are seeing innovation take hold. And, encouragingly, these new approaches are being embraced as positive results are achieved.

Kellie Reed is director of healthcare at Tangram Interiors. The views expressed here are the author's own and not that of ALM's Real Estate Media Group.