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The 5 "P"S Of A Healing Environment
By Debbrah Larsen
March 1999

Having worked in the healthcare design business for more than 20 years, it was not until I suffered a stroke on May 14 last year and was hospitalized for 14 weeks that I realized what are the single most important components required for the planning of a true healing environment. These components, which I call the "5 P's" are as follows:

Passion -- the heart and soul of a project

Purpose -- new construction and/or renovation

Patients -- of all ages and abilities

People -- caregivers and healthcare providers

Privacy -- to maintain human dignity

All of these components must be included in the design of any type of healthcare facility and be supported by the team involved.

As an interior designer, it is incredible for me to realize how many individuals are touched by what we design -- in many ways that we may never fully appreciate. From the pediatric to the geriatric patient, and all of those in-between, I believe that taking the time to consider the impact of the 5 P's can positively influence medical outcomes.

Remember always that our best laid plans often go astray, and that life is what happens when you are making plans to do something else. As one of my fellow patients told me, "If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Him your plans!"

Finally, be warned that after staring at one unadorned wall for 14 weeks while in the hospital, I have made it my personal mission to seek out designers who specify gray paint and laminate as the only color in a patient room, and imprison them in a similar room for an equal amount of time (or until they go crazy, whichever comes first)!

Until she had her stroke last year, Debbrah Larsen headed up the interior design department for HKS in Dallas, Texas. Many years ago, she contracted a potentially terminal cancer, which she beat. Although the stroke left her partially paralyzed, she has vowed to make a full recovery and devote herself to making hospital experiences better for others. She can be reached at Debbrahdal@aol.com