Healthcare Design Adopts Residential Touch
New healthcare facilities are adopting more residential, homey design qualities for patients and friends and family.
“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,” says Kellie Reed, director of healthcare at Tangram Interiors, tells GlobeSt.com. “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.”
These residential-inspired designs incorporate more comfortable furnishings and ergonomic designs. In addition, the design team is incorporating tables in various shapes and sizes also contribute to variety in the space and a home-like feel. “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,” says Reed. “The idea is to create, as much as possible, a feeling of home through residential-style pieces arranged in groups.”
The Steelcase Embold collection is an example of these innovations in healthcare design. “It incorporates 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,” says Reed.
This design aesthetic also targets waiting areas to create warm spaces for friends and family. “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,” explains Reed. “And that stress can have an impact on patient comfort, recovery time and ongoing care after being released.”
These spaces are also small and uncomfortable. By taking cues from residential design, Reed is incorporating sofa-style seating with 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.
“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, adds Reed. “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.”