Insights & Solutions

Vernacare’s single-use disposal systems incorporate bio-degradable bedpans, bowls and urinals that use touchless disposal technology and create a more hygienic, safe, and efficient solution for infection prevention and reduced staff exposure risks.

The BestCare® Dignity Suite is a curated collection of ligature-resistant bathroom fixtures and accessories. Designed to create a peaceful and well-balanced environment, the Dignity Suite is stylish and sleek while simultaneously protecting patients’ safety.

Shultz, J., Borkenhagen, D., Rose, E., Gribbons, B., Rusak-Gillrie, H., Fleck, S., Muniak, A., Filer, J. (2020). Health Environments Research & Design Journal. DOI: 10.1177/1937586719855777

This webinar will review two case studies of built behavioral health areas within existing emergency department. We will provide an in-depth look at the materials, products and systems developed to provide safe and durable environments with special attention given to anti- ligature and durability.

This webinar explores the strategies and cost implications of a human-centered approach to design that leverages tangible and intangible elements to strengthen staff-patient connections, facilitate innovations, and create a safer place for behavioral health care.

This webinar will explore the top five factors identified in an experimental study, funded over two phases by the National Patient Safety Foundation and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 

As part of the infection control toolbox, in this issue brief you will learn about, high-touch and soft surfaces and their effect on antimicrobial behavior, different cleaning mechanisms and their impact on surfaces, and an approach for structuring infection prevention teams during the design process. 

The ligature-resistant shower drain cover is designed to help lower the risks of suicide, self-harm, and the concealing of contraband, while the flush-mounted design provides a sleek, contemporary look.

By combining observation, interviews, simulation, and rapid prototyping, this team developed design solutions that help healthcare workers stay safe while engaged in challenging tasks. This webinar brings the experience of the healthcare practitioners who cared for Ebola patients during the 2014 outbreak and introduces a human-centered discovery approach developed by design researchers at SimTigrate Design Lab to define the design requirements of spaces where the risk of self- and cross-contamination is the highest.

Bayramzadeh, S., Joseph, A., San, D., Khoshkenar, A., Jafarifiroozabadi, R., Neyens, D. M. (2018). Health Environments Research & Design Journal. DOI: 10.1177/1937586717751124.