CREJ

July 2020 — Health Care & Senior Housing Quarterly — Page 19 www.crej.com frequently in pediatric settings (such as schools). n How do you approach the functional requirements of physicians and staff? Caregiver burnout is a serious concern, especially in pediatric behavioral and mental health, so our designs incorporate areas of respite for providers. Like patient rooms, these include controls for lighting levels and colors to help users relax and recharge in between patients. COVID-19 has created a need for more frequent and intense cleaning, which is an additional burden on unit staff. The right material selections can reduce or eliminate the need for frequent wipe downs by being inherently antiseptic or neutralizing pathogens that land on the surfaces. n How do the projects ensure the safety and security of patients and staff? Buildings should strike a balance between dignity and safety, so that they encourage the patient’s healing and wellness. We approach this mandate by carefully planning the interiors, from layout, adjacencies and sightlines to safety finishes and breakaway features. The central aim is to create secure spaces for patients and providers that feel warm and inviting, not cold and institutional. n What projects have you worked on that incorporate new trends in pediatric mental health care? Working with Health System in Denver, we thoroughly considered every small detail to create a home- like and soothing atmosphere for their young patients. Some of the key features of this project are “closet rooms,” self-regulated rooms, calming areas with carefully tuned color palettes, adjustable lights and biophilic design features, noted Wil- liams. Health System in Grand Junction challenged us to empathize with patients and providers in a new way and consider scenarios that are not typical of most health care proj- ects, added Falardo. The skills and approach we developed during this project are incredibly valuable across program types, she said. s Falardo Continued from Page 12 to become more intimate places where furniture and equipment divide and control space. This change also will solve noise and lighting concerns that historically have been an issue for the senior population. Screening rooms, queuing places, holding areas and wider corridors play an important role as well. Training and the use of technology also are important since telemedicine will be used on a more frequent basis by all people of generations, out of necessity. Changes to the design program and space plans are only part of the solution. More rigorous high- performance building finishes that fight, prevent and control infection makes sense from a risk management perspective and will be required to assure consumers that the facility is as safe as possible. For example, laboratory studies show that coronavirus lives longer on hard surfaces such as wood furniture and flooring, compared to soft surfaces such as carpet or upholstery. The widespread use of copper materials may be one of the best available materials to help combat infection and there is ample evidence-based support on this position. Beyond the aesthetics, life cycle considerations and maintenance also are important as both impact the frequency of care and cleaning required; so behavior changes by staff and caregivers is equally important. Consumer fears are real and worthy of notice as they cross all geographic and economic plains. Owners and developers want to manage the new risks yet improve market share and profitability. Designers want to help by bringing forward science-based information that informs the design. It really does “take a village” to address this daunting task. One starting point is to recognize nearly 25 years of design studies and shared expe- riences found in the knowledge repository of the Center for Health- care Design. Here you find records of experimental projects that have enhanced the quality of health care facilities and improved the out- comes of the patients, residents and caregivers. Let’s be smart, timely and innovative using our collective design intersections to solve the biggest challenge we have faced in 100 years. s Lee Continued from Page 13 safe, convenient way.” Using this technology via iPads enables individuals to conduct virtual face-to-face appointments with phy- sicians that act similarly to in-person visits, and if the patient wishes, fam- ily members and wellness directors can be involved during these virtual appointments in order to assist indi- viduals as needed. Patient privacy is very important, and as with any health care appointment, telehealth services are HIPAA compliant. “We offer a wide variety of services and amenities that are designed to care for each individual’s needs, and the use of telehealth has been one of the most innovative advances we have made as an industry to improve health care efficiencies. By imple- menting the use of telehealth into our existing care plans and options, we are able to better serve residents; improving care, promoting health, wellness and well-being,” said Guer- rieri. s Bernstein Continued from Page 16