Acoustic design is important in any interior environment, but even more so in behavioral health environments. Research and clinical experience suggest that high noise levels can contribute to noncompliant behaviors in patients and impede treatment and recovery. It can also lead to increased stress for staff. This webinar will review two separate behavioral health units, one constructed with typical acoustical ceiling tile panels and one with a new acoustic gypsum wallboard ceiling assembly with a similar noise reduction coefficient. A comparison of these two facilities’ acoustic testing results will be discussed along with security concerns, owner requirements, and possible design solutions for this particular sector of healthcare design.
Experts
Jennifer Wilcynski is a NCIDQ certified, LEED-AP and EDAC certified Interior Designer with over 19 years creating exceptional experiences for patients, families and staff in healthcare spaces. As a Senior Associate of the firm, Jennifer leads Orcutt | Winslow’s Phoenix Healthcare Interiors department. As a dedicated designer, she is passionate about evidence-based design and research and firmly believes that the built environment has the power to positively affect the healing process. She utilizes EBD to support her design decisions and to enhance her client’s understanding of possible solutions for best patient outcomes.
Tony Sola has been working as an acoustical consultant for almost 30 years. As the Principal/Owner of Acoustical Consulting Services, he has worked on an assortment of over 4000+ projects including design phase consulting, code verification, acoustical testing, expert testimony, and consulting for municipalities, architects and builders. Mr. Sola is a full member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering and the Acoustical Society of America. His company is also a national member of United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
In addition to his work for ACS, he has taught Architectural Acoustics to Interior Designers and Architects at Arizona State University over the past 20 years, as well as guest lecturing and teaching at other schools and universities. Mr. Sola has developed/presented numerous acoustic and sustainable design lectures certified for continuing education by AIA, GBCI and IDCEC.
Kathryn Schane, DNP MHA, MSN, BSN, RN, serves in the role of Vice President of Clinical Services with Horizon Health, and supports multiple contracted psychiatric programs throughout the United States. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania, a Master of Nursing Education, a Master of HealthCare Administration from Kaplan University in Iowa, and recently a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Purdue University. Kathryn has worked for Horizon Health in various roles including staff nurse, Nurse Manager, and Program Director, serving behavioral health units throughout the country. Kathryn resides in Pennsylvania with her family, and enjoys family time, running, and outdoor activities.