CAMA Inc.
Goals
Overview
Mohawk Valley Health System aims to improve care delivery in central New York through consolidation of two inpatient facilities into a single campus. The new 660,000 square foot, 9-story hospital will make healthcare available to three counties, improve patient experiences, and enhance operational efficiency.
Challenge
CAMA was contracted after completion of the schematic design phase, which is always a challenge and took an interdisciplinary approach with various consultants for the project. CAMA approached the interior with thoughtful use of the evidence-based design process and offered a connection to the surrounding landscape and nodding to a city with post-industrial roots. The good news was that the knowledgeable and integrated design team was cooperative with the later involvement and was equipped to achieve the New York State directive to meet evidence-based design goals.
- Goals and objectives were defined by the NY State Grant for the project, many of which are primary evidence-based design principles.
- CAMA added ethnographic research to learn more about the population and the interior experience required to elevate satisfaction, reduce stress and add efficiency.
- User meetings and integrated team charrettes were used to review, interpret and test hypotheses and constructability given the project’s scope and budget.
- The most poignant design intervention was the NBBJ-designed open core unit. CAMA layered onto that visibility and dignity through patterned glass in the patient room doors and the minimization of cubicle curtains on the medical/surgical units.
- The hypothesis to improve the 10 Goals through the design of a state-of-the-art facility has its first milestone as shovels are in the ground.
Solution
A New York state grant was established for the project, which provided a focal point and assisted in identifying key evidence-based design goals. Many of these goals, centered around improving patient experience, were achieved via standardized, single-occupant patient room layouts, patient access to natural light, adequate artificial lighting, allocation of family space in the patient room, and decentralized nurse stations. An entire floor is dedicated to behavioralhealth. Patient safety is addressed through the application of cleanable finishes, including privacy glass, which in turn minimized the need for cubicle curtains. Project goals not only aimed to improve patient experience, but also sought to
address the needs and efficiency of clinical staff. By minimizing the distance to supplies, providing in-room charting capabilities, maintaining appropriate nurse to patient ratios, and introducing daylight at staff areas and patient corridors, the project aims to reduce patient transfers and length of stay, increase direct patient care time, and achieve a reduction in medical errors.
Results
The project is currently under construction. It serves to set evidence-based design examples for many more replacement hospitals to come in New York state. A post-occupancy evaluation is planned and could be a larger industry discussion and a learning opportunity.
