MANAGEMENT HEALTHCARE
PATiEnT Rooms Let’s move on to the patient rooms, and let’s imagine that you are the patient. One feature I’d like to see more often is an ‘art cart.’ Here’s how it works: After you are admitted to your room, a volunteer comes in with a cart that has a dozen or so framed pictures on it. They show you the pictures and ask you which one you would like to have hanging in your room while you are there. It’s a great way to make you feel valued and gives you some control of your space while hospitalized. It is certainly more healing to look at artwork you enjoy rather than something that isn’t your taste, especially given the multiple patient populations that will be using the space.
Using nATURE As An infLUEnCE There is no doubt that a connection to nature can provide a positive distraction. Studies have shown that patients typically heal faster when they have a beautiful view. They may even require less pain medication. Along these lines, having a healing garden somewhere on the hospital grounds that people can explore provides a distraction that can be both therapeutic and nurturing.
mATERiALs And EqUiPmEnT sELECTion Next, there’s the furniture in patient rooms and throughout the hospital. Think about it: When you consider that most business settings are open only five days a week for eight or nine hours per day, it’s quickly apparent that hospital furniture receives the equivalent of three years’ worth of wear and tear in just one year. You must be sure furniture warranties cover 24-hour use. Material selection is also important. Consider furniture fabric, for example. That gorgeous upholstery you love may not be appropriate for the intense wear it will get. Before you make your fabric selection, there are other considerations: Will bleach be used for cleaning? Are there inherent antimicrobial features in the fabric? Is it rated for heavy commercial use using the double-rub Wyzenbeek abrasion test? Other materials – such as wallcovering,
flooring, and furniture finishes – must be durable enough to withstand constant use and be maintained. In addition, the maintenance must occur while the facility is open, as there is no ‘down time’ for a hospital. Let’s not forget the waiting areas. It’s important to offer different options for
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