The design of a hospital room has a major impact on the way patients are cared for. The room must be comfortable and easy to navigate for caregivers and patients, as well as accommodating for visitors, without interfering with workflow. Fortunately, hospital administrators can take a number of measures to make hospital rooms as comfortable as possible. A few things to consider when designing a hospital room include the following:
Designing the hospital room should make the room as similar as possible to a hotel. The room should have private bathroom facilities and a window to view nature. If possible, the room should have sound-absorbing ceiling tiles and a sink in the central area of the room. If the room is small, space-conserving, and requires a high level of privacy, the hospital should consider installing a private bathroom. A private bathroom is vital to infection control.
The study authors compared two types of hospital rooms: one with luxury amenities such as luxurious sheets and a fluffy bathrobe, and another with basic amenities such as a plain painting on the wall and trained hospitality staff. After testing the three options, researchers analyzed the data to find out which factors patients find important. The most important ones are modern interior design, hospitality-trained hospital staff, and technology. The study’s findings are relevant to hospitals across the United States and around the world.
Aside from a patient’s comfort and safety, the hospital room should be attractive and relaxing. This design should be pleasing to patients and staff. Artwork is usually present in a hospital room to calm visitors and soothe the patient. The artwork should also be aesthetically pleasing and allow for clear pathways and safe passage. In addition, a hospital room should have a canopy or other visual elements to encourage relaxation. If you’re planning to design a hospital room, make sure that you consider the location of the bathroom, so that you can have the best view possible.
The smart hospital room will integrate with the patient’s EMR and other systems. Patients can view important patient information, such as the infection status and risk of falling. A real-time location system will also help hospitals track visitors, and they can display their badge photo and name. A smart room will also incorporate patient-facing tablets and interactive biostatic surfaces. Smart bed features will also improve communication between patients and caregivers. Ultimately, patients will experience better care if they’re involved in their care.
While a patient is recovering from an injury or illness, nurses can give helpful tips to make their stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. For example, a nurse may recommend that patients cover their cast with a plastic bag when showering to protect it. A nurse call button may also be helpful for patients in need of assistance. A nurse can respond to their call from their hospital room by pressing a button on a control box. A nurse can also answer questions, or send a text message or call through the hospital’s website.