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APRIL 2022
Doubling Down on Infection Prevention
We’ve always known that the design of healthcare environments can help prevent and control infection. The link between patient room design, handwashing and hospital acquired infections was one of the early research findings informing evidence-based design.
And while the current pandemic may be subsiding, our next phase of work as healthcare designers, builders and providers is just beginning. Are you ready?
Now, more than ever, our work is critical to preventing and controlling the next pandemic and other deadly pathogens that threaten the safety and lives of our patients, staff and visitors.
It’s time to redouble our efforts to make sure every new construction and renovation project we design and build incorporates the latest infection control research, strategies and pandemic-lessons learned.
Our upcoming Design for Infection Control Virtual Workshop – two half-days on April 27 & 28 – will advance your understanding of the design strategies, methods and tools proven to prevent and interrupt the spread of pathogens.
We’ve assembled an unparalleled workshop faculty from premier institutions and organizations like Stanford Health Care, Johns Hopkins University, Center for Biocide Chemistries, AAHID and several more to guide us through some of the most urgent issues and solutions:
- New infection prevention considerations for facility design;
- Infection control implications of material & surface selections;
- Updates to CDC guidelines for environmental hygiene and infection control;
- Emerging technologies for cleaning and disinfection, air filtration, and facility maintenance;
- Strategies for reducing infection risks associated with construction activities; and,
- Case studies in response and resilience.
Our workshop aren’t just a stream of talking-head webinars. Dynamic panel discussions, lots of time for Q&A, energetic chats, plus our always-popular post-workshop social make this a unique learning experience.
Whatever your role, you can’t know too much about designing for improved infection prevention. I hope you’ll consider joining us.
Stay well.
Debra Levin, Hon. FASID, EDAC
President and CEO
P.S. Missed the April 8 Advanced Savings Deadline? Use this code to get the discount: ICSAVE25. Just don’t tell anyone where you got it!
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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
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Viconic Safety Flooring
Despite our best efforts at fall prevention, falls happen. Conventional flooring offers minimal fall protection. There are an estimated 340,000 hip fractures in the U.S. annually at a cost of over $31 billion. Over 90% of hip fractures are associated with falls. This number may triple by 2050.
Viconic Health is a Michigan-based company that has developed a low-profile proprietary automotive and military grade energy absorbing technology for senior living flooring systems.
The ADA-compliant system supports mobility while enhancing comfort under foot. Their flooring is compatible with any traditional flooring such as vinyl, LVT and carpet, and can be used in residential or commercial remodels, as well as new construction.
With Viconic’s dedication to producing and developing safety flooring, they are demonstrating the ability to greatly reduce the risk of fall-related hip fracture and traumatic brain injury in older adults.
Learn more here.
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Free Tools & Resources
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Impact of Aging Toolbox
Thanks to the generous support of Patcraft, our Impact of Aging Toolbox – normally available only to Affiliate+ members – is now open for free access to our entire healthcare design community.
Comprised of content authored and curated by The Center's research staff, the toolbox contains a vast array of design research, resources and tools for creating environments and solutions, across the continuum of care, that support and nurture a safe, healthy and long life.
Visit the toolbox here.
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EDAC
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Earn EDAC CEUs
at the Kent State
Design and Health
Symposium
Re-envisioning Emergency Department Design
April 27, 2022
1:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM EDT
Explore how design can help streamline the process of care to improve communication, wayfinding, security, efficiency, and patient throughput. View course description here.
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Upcoming Events
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Make Sure to Get These Events on Your Calendar
4/21 10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT, Webinar: Getting Above the Noise: Creating High-Performance + Restorative Hospital Work Environments
4/21 12:00 PM PDT / 3:00 PM EDT, Webinar: Lighting in Healthcare Design - Holistic Lighting, Systems & Controls for Patient Areas
4/22 10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT, EDAC Certified Virtual Call (must be EDAC certified to attend)
4/27-28, 10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT, Workshop: Infection Control and Prevention: Design for Safer and Healthier Environments
One life-saving lesson we learned from the pandemic: we can design healthcare environments to interrupt, reduce and prevent the spread of deadly pathogens to staff, patients and visitors.
Join infection preventionists, healthcare facility managers, architecture and design professionals, and product and material manufacturers, as we explore new and evolving approaches to infection control through design innovations, clinical methods, technologies, and protocols.
Learn more and register here.
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Classic Resources
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At the 2022 Environments for Aging Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, we recognized three individuals for their contributions to the advancement of living and care environments for aging adults.
Maggie Calkins, M.Arch, PhD, EDAC, FGSA,
Changemaker Recipient
We honored Maggie for her pioneering, influential and internationally-recognized work and body of research that has transformed environmental design and standards of care for older adults, especially those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. View Maggie's Changemaker Award video presentation here.
Dr. Gerald Weisman, PhD and Dr. Uriel Cohen, PhD
Lifetime Achievement Recipients
Uriel Cohen, PhD and Gerald Weisman, PhD have had a dramatic impact on the fields of design and design research of health-supportive environments for older adults, particularly those suffering from cognitive impairments. View their video presentation here.
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Flooring Longevity Matters in Healthcare Facilities
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Everyone knows the scenario too well: You’re trying to keep quiet in the middle of the night, but that creaky floorboard gives way and makes a sound. In certain scenarios, a noise in the middle of the night isn’t detrimental, but when in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, it can make or break a patients’ stay and recovery.
Healthcare Facilities Today, read more...
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Dismantling Structural Racism for Health of Black Communities
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The health crisis in Black communities isn’t solely due to lack of access to care. Much of it also stems from well-documented racial disparities and biases, such as biases around pain perception and treatment recommendations. As recently as 2016, a study found that a shocking number of first- and second-year medical students falsely believed Black people have higher pain tolerances and thicker skin than non-Black people, leading many to downplay symptoms and fail to treat Black patients equitably.
MedCity News, read more...
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Integrating Wellness into Healthcare Design
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Traditional hospital high-rise towers are behind us. Today’s healthcare facilities support the holistic health and well-being of providers and patients, while providing the amenities, technology and flexibility to quickly respond to evolving needs and trends. The human-centered model incorporates wellness as an active component of care, which enhances physical, psychological and cognitive well-being while utilizing empathy, ethnography and introspection through design to create meaningful solutions.
Medical Construction & Design, read more...
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How Health Care Design Supports Staff Focus
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We often talk about interruptions and distractions in health care, especially when we think about medication errors, but both issues are part of the larger condition of workflow disruption. Research shows that distraction, miscommunication and delayed treatment, all components of disrupted workflow, can lead to adverse events including medical errors and even death.
Health Facilities Management Magazine, read more...
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ABOUT US
The Center for Health Design is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is to transform healthcare environments for a healthier, safer world through design research, education and advocacy. Learn more. For information about sponsor or partnership opportunities, contact our VP of Relationship Development, Randy Carter.
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