Creating Comfortable Spaces for Patients & Their Families
Whether the injuries or ailments are minor or severe, the hospital can often seem daunting, overwhelming, and altogether unpleasant. And, it’s not just the patients who find themselves anxious or moody in a hospital setting – even clinicians and administrators can find themselves feeling the blues. However, with recent technological advancements and healthcare furniture innovations, it is easier than ever to ensure that patients, medical personnel and others feel at ease and calm during their time in the hospital. In truth, patient comfort is key to healing, so it’s no wonder healthcare furniture companies are digging deep into the research on what makes a superior patient experience.
The experts at Steelcase have taken the time to gather the facts and have come up with a way to create truly functional and comforting patient rooms. Take a look below for ideas on how to create modern, yet comfortable, patient rooms in hospitals and help your patients, staff and guests feel calm, cool and collected every time they enter your hospital doors.
Safety First
The most important factor in any medical facility is safety. After all, medical errors and hospital-acquired infections are among the leading causes of death in the US and elsewhere throughout the globe, according to a study conducted by Steelcase. That’s why the first step in any major patient room redesign is a focus on safety. Key components to a safe patient room include a clinician zone complete with sink, soap and alcohol-based hand cleansers, furnishings and surfaces that are anti-microbial and easy to clean, hand rails and other tools to prevent falls, and patient beds, chairs and other equipment with mechanical lifts to help clinicians avoid injury when moving patients or conducting tests.
Think About What Patients Come In For
Consider for a moment the many uses of the patient room. For patients, it is a place for recovery and rehabilitation, while for medical personnel, it is their workspace. For family and friends, it is a space to watch and wait. With so many different purposes, the patient room must be able to meet the needs of each person without infringing on the needs of the others. As such, the patient room must be multifunctional and make the most of every square inch. By incorporating a design that protects the patient’s need for quiet without sacrificing patient care, patients can focus on healing while clinicians focus on quality of care.
Make Sure The Space Can Inform & Educate Patients
Regardless of the condition or procedure, patients are often more able to handle a hospital stay when they feel informed. That’s why it is vital to design a patient room to facilitate the education of patients. With whiteboards and electronic teaching tools on hand, clinicians can easily educate patients on the full details of upcoming procedures and treatments, which keeps patients more relaxed and hopeful as they continue on the path of recovery.
Have Space to Accommodate Guests & Visitors
A stay in the hospital is a highly emotional experience, and patients often do better when surrounded by loved ones. However, with limited space, patient rooms don’t always accommodate visitors as well as they should. By incorporating thoughtful healthcare furniture into the room design, modern patient rooms help keep family, friends and other visitors comfortable and calm throughout their loved one’s stay. Options can include sleeper sofas, tables and other spaces that enable guests to carry on with their daily lives as seamlessly as possible. Choose multifunctional options like the Siesta sleeper sofa and table from Steelcase, which allows family members to catch up on work – or catch a few Zzzzs.
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