Many studies have suggested the important role of patient-focused design in a healthcare setting. Whether it is the interior design for hospital, nursing home, or social welfare organisation, the focus on the needs of the main beneficiaries has found to be particularly useful in meeting the objectives of the very organisation. One of the objectives of a hospital would be the provision of quality care and recuperation whereas for a social welfare organisation, the empowerment of critical life skills for beneficiaries under its care. We look at some of the ways interior design in healthcare facilities such as these can be enhanced:
Accident-free materials
Patients are recuperating and; hence they are not in their best, optimal health condition. And for social welfare organisations, beneficiaries would actively use the rooms provided for various learning activities. Special care needs to be placed in the choice of materials for flooring for example to ensure that it is slip-free especially when it is wet.
Friendly ergonomics
Furniture that is friendlier to posture when seating or lying in bed is also an important consideration. In other areas, bedside lighting that is adjustable and remote assisted window blinds would also be conducive to a patient’s movement.
Privacy
When space is a constraint, space planning for a patient’s room becomes more challenging. At the same time, research has supported the premise that space and; thus privacy – likening to one gets in a single-bedded room – has proven to be effective in enhancing a patient’s recuperation. Not a surprise at all for the amount of distraction just adds up when more patients fill a room.
Noise
Again, when there are more people, there is more activity, and the noise volume just increases. Not so good when the patient needs his or her sleep and rest. Hence, acoustic materials that are used for the walls and furniture are very important in keeping out noise to aid the patient’s healing.
Art that inspires
The art varies widely; from sculptural forms, broadening imagination to simple pictures of flowers. Text can be inscribed on posters or murals to encourage, lift up, and enliven a patient’s institution stay.
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