11 Important Elements of Modern Hospital Design
11 Important Elements of Modern Hospital Design
As time has passed, society has discovered that the design of a structure can have a significant impact on the overall well-being of those who use it.
When that structure is a new hospital whose sole objective is to improve the well-being of its patients, proper design is paramount. A well-designed hospital must consider not only its patients and their families but also the staff who keep everything running.
For a modern hospital to achieve a functional, safe, and welcoming design, it should contain the 11 following essential elements.
1. Patient Flow
The hospital setup should allow visitors to have the greatest ease of flow.
The orientation needs to make it simple for them to know where they are and how to get to where they want to go, no matter how large the hospital is.
Reduce the need for signs and symbols, which can cause confusion, by using a different system.
Color coding or unique design elements in corresponding areas that are easily recognizable can aid in keeping orientation simple. Even those who don’t read English well can find their way through this type of hospital.
Another way to make orientation easier is to create recognizable landmarks. Sculptures, a waterfall wall, or hanging artwork are good examples of putting this into practice. Of course, these landmarks should be strategically placed near potentially confusing areas.
A welcoming and de-stressing reception can also help patients and visitors feel at ease in a hospital. It should be roomy with plenty of natural light. The addition of calming artwork and comfortable furniture put the finishing touches on the best hospital reception area.
Logical logistics are essential in keeping patient flow efficient. Instead of being generic and designating “Wing D,” make it memorable. Think about names that correspond to the theme of the hospital.
For example, you could use:
Everglades Wing
Heron Wing
Venetian Wing
There should be designated elevators for each organized wing, with clear signage.
2. Infection Control
With the rise in infectious diseases and viruses and the recent and ongoing struggle with the Coronavirus, hospitals are emphasizing the need for infection control more than ever before.
Private ICU rooms are becoming a standard, keeping the most severe cases more isolated and significantly reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Separation of public and patient spaces has also become a part of modern hospital design, such as with public and private hallways. Rooms are designed to be more private and house only one patient when possible.
The use of construction materials that are moisture and mold-resistant should also be prioritized. Antimicrobial wall coatings have proven to be an excellent investment for hospitals trying to reduce bacteria-infested surfaces.
3. Sustainability
The emphasis on sustainable design is not missed in healthcare architecture.
Modern hospitals can use sustainable interior design in many ways. Creating a self-reliant health system that can still be accessed in a natural disaster is a wise course of action, since these events only seem to be increasing in frequency. This can be done using renewable energy sources and a sturdy backup power source. Hospitals can reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient lighting and equipment, and reduce water waste with water-saving fixtures.
The quality of air in a hospital can be just as vital as the cleanliness of the surfaces. Hospitals should prioritize clean air while minimizing the need for A/C. A filtering system and natural airflow will make this possible. Window placement needs to be adjusted with this in mind.
Of course, the choice of materials used in the construction of a hospital is a big proponent of sustainability. The choice of material itself should be sustainable.
For example, odor-neutralizing materials reduce the need for as many harsh chemicals in cleaning. Natural materials in healthcare facilities can improve the Earth's and your patients' health.
Read more: Sustainability in Commercial Interior Design
4. Ergonomics
Healthcare design should also include ergonomic planning for both staff and patients.
For Staff
An investment in ergonomics takes the strain off hospital staff, reducing work-related injuries. It also ensures staff are healthy and able to improve the health of their patients.
One of the major causes of hospital staff injury is patient handling. Picking up bedridden patients in awkward positions can result in pulled or strained muscles.
Adding patient handling tools available for staff will significantly reduce this negative effect. These include:
Mechanical lifting chairs
Shower chairs
Lateral lifts
Sliding boards
Adjustable IV stands
Adjustable lighting
Ergonomically designed computer stations help reduce the strain on desk staff as well.
Additionally, slip-resistant and cushioned flooring keeps those on their feet safe and comfortable.
For Patients
Ergonomics for patients increases their comfort during their stay. Adjustable beds should be provided for inpatients. Comfortable wheelchairs are important for outpatients. Adjustable chairs should be provided for all.
5. Modular Spaces
The dynamic of a hospital can change in an instant or gradually over time. The design of a hospital to include modular spaces can help keep it adaptable.
For flexibility, multi-functional rooms that can adapt to a sudden influx of patients will help in times of emergency. Portable walls can change a large area into private rooms with a few adjustments. Hospitals should allow their design to be scalable for potential growth.
6. Comforting Atmosphere
Design decisions that consider the healing process should always involve manipulating the atmosphere.
A hospital's physical environment has been proven to help — or hinder — staff production and care of patients, stress, patient safety, and overall quality of care.
How can hospitals ensure their environment is helping instead of hindering? Studies show that art, music, lighting, and textiles all play a role.
Theme-based artwork based on the type of patients being treated can provide visual interest and a positive distraction.
Let’s take a children’s hospital, for example. Their artwork should be sensory and include things children typically enjoy. Pediatric wings often have murals of animals on the wall, large aquariums full of colorful fish, and a playground in the waiting area.
Adults would better appreciate calming landscapes such as beaches, forests, and mountains.
For certain locations, it may be appropriate to consider artwork with cultural inclusion.
Soothing music, soft materials and textiles, and ambient lighting all contribute to the comforting atmosphere in a modern hospital.
7. Natural Elements
Modern architectural design for a hospital building should include biophilia.
Open-air spaces such as courtyards, landscape yards, and indoor gardens with lots of green foliage improve the well-being of all who enter the hospital.
Sunlight provides a healing environment for the mind and body. Finding methods to let more sunlight into the hospital without causing excessive heat can add to this healing.
8. Smart Technology
Hospitals have access to more cutting-edge, life-saving technology every decade.
Robotics and AI are one of the biggest fields of advancement in the medical technology sector. Utilizing these tools can reduce infection and human error, fill staff shortages, and improve productivity.
User-interface controls in patient rooms can allow the patients to control their lights, blinds, TV, and bed without calling for the nurse. Smart lighting can be programmed to dim at certain times and promote a healthy circadian rhythm.
Interactive kiosks around the hospital can help visitors find the correct department or patient room.
Smart medical devices such as wearables, smart beds, biosensors, and implantable monitors decrease repeat patients while providing better information for doctors.
9. Holistic Ideals
Medical facilities should consider adopting a holistic approach to medical treatment to provide the most comprehensive patient care. Holistic care means treating the entire person, not just the illness. This can include mental health, lifestyle, and nutrition.
Hospitals can build a wellness center that provides access to fitness classes and massage therapy.
Have an in-house dietician for nutritional counseling for patients who need to make changes in their eating habits.
Alternative medicines such as herbs, essential oils, meditation, and acupuncture are welcome additions to modern hospitals.
While this may require a more considerable investment, holistic medicine allows hospitals to attack a disease from multiple angles.
10. Logistics
Big and bold visual markers are necessary for the public to find and enter the hospital. The entrance and exit should be easily maneuvered, causing no traffic problems.
One of visitors' biggest complaints about their hospitals is the difficulty in finding a parking spot. When you have parking garages, parking management should be considered.
Valet service for the ER helps emergency patients and their loved ones focus on getting treatment without worrying about where to leave their vehicle. It also avoids traffic that could keep others from entering the ER.
Shuttle service may be necessary for parking lots far from the entrance. This will provide convenience for visitors but may be critical for those severely ill.
11. Accessibility for All
Medical treatment should be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, and hospital design should reflect this. Modern hospital design is more intuitive to the needs of patients with disabilities.
Those With Mobility Issues
Ramps instead of stairs are the popular option for small changes in elevation in hospitals to allow wheelchairs to easily travel from one level to the next. The same is true of larger elevators and wider hallways.
Learn more: Enhancing Accessibility With ADA Requirements in Commercial Construction
The Blind And Visually Impaired
Tactile cues should be provided for blind patients. This can include different textures on the floor to help the blind differentiate between areas. It also goes without saying that hospitals should eliminate any obstructions that could be a hazard.
For patients who are only partially blind, measures can be taken to help them maneuver the hospital with color cues. Contrasting colors on walls or floors can help them distinguish between spaces. Color strips on stairs and steps can ensure they don’t miss a step. Dark or bright doorframes will allow them to easily find passageways from one room to the next.
Those With Hearing Loss
Patients with hearing loss use their other senses to counteract what can’t be heard. Hospitals can help these disabled visitors with their design. Adding mirrored walls can aid in improving visual control of their surroundings behind them.
Acoustic optimization, such as using sound-absorbing materials on ceilings for those with low hearing levels, can minimize distractions caused by unfamiliar noises and painful reverberations.
A high-quality speaker system that uses ambient noise and reduces reverberation is a good investment.
Multi-sensory design using reflective materials and lights provides visual cues for those with hearing loss.
Digital alerts are another consideration to provide accessibility for the hearing impaired.
Conclusion
Modern hospitals need to consider more than just functionality in their design. Contact ZP Architects & Engineers for an architecture firm that understands the complexity of hospital design and can update your facility to better meet the needs of patients and staff.
