CREJ - Healthcare Properties - September 2016
Just as where health care facilities are locating today is changing, so are the design and materials being incorporated into their construction. And it is this evolving retailization of health care that is shaping facilities of today and tomorrow. “The landscape of health care is diverse, specialized and ever changing,” said Rebecca Brennan, RID, CID, CHID, EDAC, IIDA, principal, of Design Studio Blue LLC. “Health care is becoming more accessible and becoming anchors in retail settings. Health care is becoming very competitive and providers are being creative, savvy and responsive to consumer needs to gain market share.” “Health care design is evolving from traditional clinics with white walls, floors and ceilings to more familiar spaces that increase comfort and improve the patient experience,” Emily Sinclair, senior project manager of IA Interior Architects' Denver office, wrote in a recent report on how patient-centered design is changing the perception of health care. Examples include clinic rooms with iPod docking stations, a fireplace at the foot of the bed and digital message boards with the patient’s name and information, for example. Design details such as these reinforce the patient-centered care model and assist to alleviate stress and anxiety to facilitate healing, she noted. “Patients have choices today and they want to go to a facility that says ‘state of the art.’ This applies to new build but also renovations to accommodate new technologies and equipment,” added Brandon Bergholz, construction executive and health care market sector leader at Mortenson. The changes in design are leading to a more natural vs. clinical environment. Design features that provide comfort to patients – coffee bars in waiting rooms, charging outlets designed into furniture – are being incorporated, noted Brennan. “Patients and families, often sit in waiting rooms for long periods of time, which can increase stress and anxiety,” wrote Sinclair. “Designing these spaces to be flexible and provide choices that support patients and family members has become essential. Creating multifunctional areas for privacy, relaxation, large families to gather, information sharing between families and/or physicians and families, and use and charge of personal devices enhances the patient and family experience.” The use of materials also is contributing to a more natural, relaxed environment. “We see a lot of materials that provide a nature feel, such as stone, glass and garden space,” said Bergholz, citing the new St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown Denver as one example of incorporating this trend. Mortenson was the contractor for the project. Design elements that support cleanliness, such as resilient flooring, impervious countertops and wall protection, as well as elements that reduce operational costs, like LED lighting, also are incorporated into today’s health care facilities, said Brennan, adding many engineered materials have evolved closely to mimic the look and texture of wood, stone and textile while being durable to withstand the rigors of the health care environment. Additionally, with square footage within health care spaces at a premium, many caregivers are taking a multifunctional approach to its usage, requiring the organization of supplies, workspace and storage as well as streamlining work processes to provide maximum square footage in the patient room, according to Sinclair. As to the future of design and construction of health care facilities, technology continues to be a leading factor. “I see technology starting to drive design and renovation,” said Brennan. “Technology is in almost every aspect of life and having the infrastructure to support it is critical.” Also, “There is a continued trend toward ambulatory care facilities, so we see a continued opportunity with MOBs and facilities to support outpatient care,” said Bergholz. “One of the other trends we are seeing is that people are considering ‘paying for outcome’ rather than paying for service.” “Everyone wants the best facility that can help them provide the best health care and the best health care experience. Patients want to stay healthy and get better, and doctors want to be able to have a facility that helps them provide that,” he added.