Hospital design should emphasize easy cleanability, comfortable beds, and easy egress from the bathroom. Approximately three to twenty percent of hospital patients suffer a fall. This is an important safety consideration, especially for the elderly. Many hospital rooms don’t provide these features. The design team worked with the patient experience team to develop a room that would be aesthetically pleasing and functional for the patient. Patients surveyed said they would prefer rooms with a modern design, hospitality-trained staff, and the latest technology.
It is important that patients and visitors wash their hands frequently, because many surfaces in hospitals are contaminated with bacteria and germs. Healthcare workers can pick up bacteria on their hands from patients and spread them to others. Always wash your hands before entering the room, and make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue before touching the bed or equipment. If you have to visit the hospital, you should inform the staff of any changes in your health status and remind them to wash their hands. If they do not, ask for a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer for use during the visit.
In addition to providing comfort to patients, the design of hospital rooms can improve the efficiency of staff members. Staff can perform their tasks faster if they can move from one area of the room to another. The room should be laid out so that patient amenities are placed in the center of the room, with comfortable seating at the back. Lightweight modular ottomans and sofas can be moved out of the way quickly and easily in case of emergencies. Sofas that expand into beds are another excellent option because they serve multiple functions.
There are special types of hospital rooms. Infection-prone patients are often kept in isolation rooms, as the negative pressure of the room prevents them from spreading their infectious diseases to others. The negative air pressure in isolation rooms also filters the air before it goes outside. These rooms help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to others, and they can also increase the patient’s recovery time. Having a private room will also increase the patient’s dignity and help them sleep better.
Patients’ perceptions of care depend on the design of their hospital rooms. Care providers must be able to respond quickly to their patients’ needs. They must also be able to keep an eye on their patients at all times. When the layout of the hospital room supports these needs, staff members will be more efficient and effective. For this reason, hospitals should design their rooms around the workflow of staff members. It will make the patient’s experience more enjoyable, and improve the overall care provided by the staff.
Smart hospital rooms can help reduce nurse call fatigue. One California hospital found that its patients used the smart room’s technology 123,000 times over a year, reducing nurse calls by 337 a day. This technology makes it easier for patients to access their medical records and information when they need it. Ultimately, smarter hospital rooms improve patient experience and save money. There are many ways these rooms can improve care. The future of the hospital room is bright, so why wait?