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Insights & Solutions

Slidecast
November 2023 Slidecast

Hauge, Å. L., Lindheim, M. Ø., Røtting, K., Johnsen, S. Å. K., (2023) The meaning of the physical environment in child and adolescent therapy: A qualitative study of the outdoor care retreat. Ecopsychology

The experience of hospitalization can be extremely stressful, frightening, and even traumatic, especially for children. Children who are chronically ill and staying in the hospital frequently or for extended periods of time will often benefit from psychological therapy as part of their treatment plan. However, in many cases, especially with very sick children, the therapy takes place in the same physical environment where children are receiving care for somatic illnesses. This study focused on the impact of a nature-based “outdoor care retreat” cabin on therapy for chronically ill children staying in the hospital. Researchers found that participants tended to explain their experience in relation to their previous experience in the traditional hospital setting, emphasizing the benefits of the outdoor care retreat. In the hospital, sick children are patients. But taking a break from that space may allow them to be their full human selves again, even briefly.

Slidecast
November 2023 Slidecast

Gharaveis, A., Hamilton, D. K., Pati, D., Shepley, M. M., Rodiek, S., McCall, D., (2023) How Visibility May Reduce Security Issues in Community Hospitals’ Emergency Departments, HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal

Given that volatile situations can occur in emergency departments (EDs), it is important to ensure that staff maintain awareness of unit activities and security resources so safety risks can be prevented or at least controlled. In this study, researchers used both observations and interviews to better understand the role of ED layout on staff perceptions of safety and security and overall awareness of departmental activities. While the optimal ED design is yet to be determined, findings from this study suggest that maximizing visual connectivity between ED staff, a centralized unit layout, and staff visibility of the ED entrance, waiting room, triage area, and areas in which psychiatric patients receive care can improve ED efficiency and reduce security risks.

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Webinar
October 2023 Webinar

This webinar will explore experience design in a new light. Attendees will dive into experience mapping and learn about tools created for planning, design, and construction teams to guide design decision making. Explore a multifaceted approach that layers qualitative and quantitative evidence-based design with color and light theory to create an environment focused on health, hope and healing for all.  

Podcast
October 2023 Podcast

In part 2 of today’s episode, Cheryl continues her conversation with Sarah Tetens NCIDQ, RID, IIDA, CHID, EDAC, Design Director at Baskervill.

Podcast
October 2023 Podcast

On part 1 of today’s episode Cheryl interviews Sarah Tetens NCIDQ, RID, IIDA, CHID, EDAC, Design Director at Baskervill.

Member Project
October 2023 Member Project

Ohana is one of the largest healthcare buildings to use cross-laminated timber (CLT), a material traditionally reserved for commercial projects. With a 16-bed residential program, partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, café, dedicated garden spaces for staff and patients, gym, and music room, the facility benefits from its low carbon impact, its modular components that can be assembled off-site to reduce cost and schedules, and its anxiety-lowering properties.  

Member Project
October 2023 Member Project

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), renowned for its world-class patient care, undertook a forward-thinking expansion project. With a focus on sustainability, the new Lunder Building brings nature indoors through eco-friendly glass designs.

Webinar
September 2023 Webinar

During this webinar, you’ll hear how Garden Spot Village in New Holland, PA, partnered with a sonic treatment composer and a gerontological researcher to study whether purposeful sonic environments can help reduce the stresses associated with declining physical ability and memory loss. The partners will describe the design, execution, and outcomes of their research and share their suggestions for using the power of sound to improve quality of life for older adults.  

Webinar
September 2023 Webinar

This webinar presentation will demonstrate how various forms of research can be used to understand the impacts and outcomes of care and the environment where it is delivered.  

Product / Project Innovation Highlights
October 2023 Product / Project Innovation Highlights

The patented Ligature Resistant Swinging Door System is designed to be a heavy-duty, cost effective solution that provides improved safety and privacy in patient bathrooms.