Feature Design
families to enjoy meals and parents to sleep overnight, other family spaces can be included on patient floors. These spaces range from quiet rooms,
to well-appointed family areas that include such things as a full kitchen, laundry facilities, private bathroom with showers, and sleep space. Cooking a family meal and enjoying it at a large kitchen table helps introduce a sense of normalcy back into the family routine. If workspaces for parents aren’t
accessible in the patient rooms, designers can incorporate wi-fi access and computer workstations into nooks on patient floors, so parents can accomplish work tasks without venturing far from their children. Many paediatric units also incorporate
sibling lounges or play spaces oriented to children of different ages. These areas provide positive distractions for siblings so parents can focus more readily on the sick child. Play spaces may vary from a play- land group of swings, slides and games for youngsters, to teen areas with comfortable seating for listening to music or streaming dvds on their computers. The décor of each lounge should include age-appropriate furnishings, colours and finishes, and visual distractions or artwork.
Diagnostic areas: reDucing stress, enHancing efficiency If design choices incorporated into paediatric units can reduce children’s stress, then greater outcomes for children, families and the healthcare provider will follow. HGA took this dictum to heart in the remodelling of the paediatric diagnostic imaging and radiology departments in the Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. The programming and technology of
paediatric radiology departments is similar to that of adults. But paediatric radiology also must include pre- and post-op spaces: Children are sedated before testing to calm them and keep them still, and they need a quiet place to recover from the sedation. In addition, parents need to be near their children during these stressful and even frightening procedures. HGA initiated the design of the
paediatric imaging centre at Children’s National Medical Center with a Lean protocol that included workshops and interviews with hospital physicians, staff
Hospital Build Issue 3 2011 49
and user groups. The design team focused on three experiences: inpatient, sedation, and outpatient - to determine the ideal patient experience. This pre-design process informed the final design. Inpatient and outpatient areas were
designed with playful colours that brighten floors and walls. Calming nature imagery was incorporated into glass doors and wall hangings. Inside the MRI room, a special zone for parents keeps them present with their child but safely out of the staff ’s way - so caregivers can deliver services efficiently. Custom lighting, such as twinkling ceiling lights in radiology rooms, offers pleasant distractions. Such design considerations for paediatric
units consider the emotional and medical needs of children, while ensuring more efficient and compassionate care. HB
‘the design team focused on three experiences: inpatient, sedation, and outpatient - to determine the ideal patient experience
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52