Insights & Solutions

Neonatal Intensive Care Units contain some of the most fragile and vulnerable patient populations. Many NICU babies have little ability to regulate their own bodily systems, heightening the importance of their immediate environment in their development. Much research in this area is still needed. The purpose of this research study was to conduct a multiple method pre and post occupancy evaluation of an academic medical center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This study followed a mixed-method approach wherein surveying via questionnaires were used to evaluate user perceptions.  Lighting measures and acoustic readings were used to support the questionnaire responses. Most of these methods have been previously tested for reliability and have been used during pre- and post-occupancy evaluations during other facility assessments. The mixed-method approach leads to triangulation of findings and helped to inform lessons learned. EDAC Advocate firms partner with The Center for Health Design to promote the evidence-based design and the signicance of research in healthcare design.

Loneliness and social disconnection harm our health and our well-being. The good news is that design can help. There are numerous ways that the design of the built environment can foster happier, healthier and more connected lives from the design of neighborhoods to workplaces and even hospitals. Join us to explore evidence-based principles and strategies for designing for connection. Erin Peavey will be sharing her own research and stories from her podcast, Shared Space, focused on the topic.

Join a discussion with Josh Brackett of Banner Health to discuss how improvements in transition to operations planning can lead to a safer, healthier, healing environment from day 1! Occupancy of a new or renovated health care space triggers immediate regulatory and safety requirements including location of emergency shut-off valves, accurate inventory counts, preventive maintenance procedures for equipment, and updated and accurate life safety drawings.  As an industry, we have seen an increase in the inclusion of end-users in the design process, however, transition to  operations is an area where increased collaboration with facilities can yield greater results and improved safety. Josh will share his experiences as a facilities professional and will offer ideas and suggestions for improving the transition process.

Join a discussion with Addie Abushousheh as she shares design strategies for acute and ambulatory care settings!

How can a design team collaborate with a historically underserved community to develop trust and understanding while improving health services and acknowledging unique culture? This session will explore the historical context of Native American health service delivery. Case studies representing a spectrum of scale and context will feature best practices in delivery, design, and incorporation of American Indian culture. The presentation will highlight successful collaboration techniques for driving design consensus among large, diverse constituent groups.

This is a panel discussion with LifeLab Kids Foundation and DesignTeam Plus, Inc. to hear about creation of the Interactive Therapy Garden and Unlimited Play Park. DesignTeam Plus set out to develop a thoughtfully designed garden and universal play park to evoke the sensory experience for all children as they work with their therapists. LifeLab Kids serves children between the ages of 18 months and 20 years with developmental delays, Autism, Down Syndrome, as well as other medical and physical disorders. The goal of the project was to create a space to support the integration of physical, mental, and behavioral therapies while helping children discover and explore their unique potential through a blend of therapeutic activities, and innovative technologies. This integrated approach helps the child and reduces stress and anxiety for the child and the family.

Healthcare futurists, leaders, and designers must consider healthcare work environments with caregiver well-being in mind. A holistic approach to well-being will be essential as the healthcare industry seeks to sustain itself in the midst of increased operating expenses and workforce shortages. This webinar will touch on creating spaces that support not only patient outcomes, but also staff well-being & resilience.

Are you looking for a state-of-the-art process to help you develop an effective functional program? Thanks to the dedication of The Center for Health Design’s Environmental Standards Council we now have the Function Program Process Guide (FUNPRO). Join us for an interactive overview with one of the developers of the tool, Michael Pomarico, Architect NCARB ASHE.   The Functional Program tool provides an easy-to-understand guide for communicating an Owner’s project requirements to the entire project team, helps meet applicable regulatory requirements, and helps to identify how the physical environment can improve patient outcomes, staff effectiveness, and sustainability.