Many of the design features that help protect patient safety also make for a more desirable workplace, in turn improving the retention rates of healthcare staff. Our design process begins with a careful consideration of safety-conscious design strategies.
Staff efficiency
The trend toward more private patient rooms and treatment areas can mean increased walking distance for nurses between tasks. These distances can be shortened by locating charting alcoves and medication/equipment storage in close proximity to patient rooms. As a result, nurses can work more efficiently and spend more time with patients.
Patient visibility
Strategically-placed windows in patient care areas allow staff to unobtrusively check on patients, periodically ensuring at a glance that nothing is amiss.
Lighting
Providing appropriate light levels and user controls at convenient locations is key. Flexible treatment areas require multiple, easily adjusted light levels.
Standardized patient rooms and treatment areas
Standardized designs increase staff efficiency and save money. When outlets and equipment storage are placed in the same location in each room, a nurse never has to waste time searching for them. New staff can quickly adapt to the room layouts and nurses can operate interchangeably throughout the hospital.
Reduced noise levels
Excessive noise is distracting for staff and detrimental to the healing environment. Noise is reduced by moving patients less frequently, using quiet-engineered mechanical systems, using single-patient rooms with insulation and eliminating overhead paging.
Collaborative equipment planning and room mock-ups
We begin the task of equipment planning early in the design process to allow collaboration with and feedback from hospital staff. It is also helpful to construct mock-ups of patient rooms, allowing staff to test proposed design elements and become accustomed to a new layout.
Infection control
Placing sinks and alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers in prominent, visible locations within or near patient rooms helps ensure that staff maintain a sterile environment. Single patient rooms also help reduce risk, as do HEPA filters and controlled air flow in rooms.
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