Considering the fact that Interior architectural design of medical facilities has undergone a paradigm shift over the past few years, this write-up is intended to inspire our clients and the stakeholders by projecting the growing possibilities in the field of ‘Healthcare Interior Design’, and its potential to help create state-of-the-art establishments.

A study has reported that the US is currently in the midst of an unprecedented healthcare building boom, owing to the improved focus on improving patient, environmental, as well as workforce safety and quality, which has in turn created a need for the creation of optimal physical environments. ^[1]

On the contrary, lack of a private office, coupled with the increased need for sharing clinical spaces, has contributed to decreased privacy among the physicians despite that the strategy helps increase operational efficiency and improve staff cooperation. This growing discontent among physicians has serious consequences for patients.

In a book, “Doctored: The Disillusionment of an American Physician” authored by an US-based Cardiologist, Dr Sandeep Jauhar, the writer had acknowledged that decreased income and patient encounter time, as well as increased paperwork per patient and inpatient volume, contributes to a decline in overall efficiency of the practice as well as morale among the doctors. ^[2]

For a better understanding, we are considering two hospitals, The Bunting Center at Mercy Hospital (Baltimore, MD) and American Hospital Dubai (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) as case studies. ^[3] Both the hospitals are said to have considered overall surroundings while creating interior design strategies, and achieved great success in terms of retaining patients and overall experience for patients, visitors and staff.

The Bunting Center at Mercy Hospital has positioned two drop-offs beneath the building footprint. The main drop-off on the west side and an emergency department drop off on the east side, shared by both patients and ambulances. An 800-car parking space and a pedestrian sky-bridge were also constructed to provide safe and convenient access. It has a multi-level roof garden which is considered to be its vibrant healing environment, and also offers a great nature view and seasonal gardens for the visitors, patients, and staff amidst the noisy outdoor environment. Moreover, families of patients and the healthcare staff have greatly appreciated the establishment of a three-level garden which provides an exclusive stress-free environment.

In this case, the roof-garden has played a major role as the key element of sustainable design, given that its helps minimize the effect of external heat, reduce demand on storm water systems, improve surrounding air quality, and prevent from noise pollution.

On the other hand, one of the major concerns at the American Hospital Dubai was the need for main public entrances: the main hospital, specialty clinics, and an outpatient centre. Meanwhile, interior designers had addressed the issue by creating one main vehicle entrance which directs into an urban piazza surrounded by buildings on three sides, each providing access to one of the three main entrances. The facility was also constructed with a hidden and easily accessible parking lot to provide simple way finding and extremely convenient access directly into the main lobby via elevators.

In this case, the key to a successful interior design is said to be the early establishment of a master plan in order to allow continued growth across the area. This strategy is focused on facilitating future up-gradations to the overall or a part of the facility design, and helped prevent conflict in future design strategies.

In a majority of cases, hospital administration may not realize the importance of healthcare interior design given the factors – work efficiency and cost containment. However, a well-designed healthcare facility with high levels of privacy, quality and safety could contribute to significant improvement in treatment outcomes and overall patient experience.

References:

1. Planning, Design, and Construction of Health Care Facilities, Second Edition : Published by the Joint Resources Commission.

2. Why Doctors Are Sick of Their Profession: Published in The Wall Street Journal

3. Case Studies in Design Excellence for Mid-Sized Urban / Inner Suburban Medical Centers