Case study: Acoustical design for newly renovated behavioral health suite

Abstract

This presentation addresses requirements and opportunities for the acoustical design of a behavioral design suite. Examples of coordinated design elements will be presented from a recent remodel project for a single suite in the UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics Mt. Zion relocation. The following will be presented. Unique components: Equipment transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, used to address depression. TMS therapy treatment equipment has a loud tapping noise that can be highly annoying to occupants of adjacent rooms. Sound isolation and sound-absorbing treatments are important design elements for a room with this equipment. Unique requirements: Patient safety behavioral health suites have unique patient safety requirements that led to the design selection for acoustical tamper-proof ceiling panels and specializd door gaskets at specific room types. Design considerations: Group therapy room group therapy rooms are in-patient areas that can consist of small and large groups, sometimes involving simultaneous group activities among patients and staff. HIPAA requirements, speech intelligibility, and occupant comfort, as well as hospital operations were important considerations for the coordinated acoustical design.