Health Care from the Patients’ Perspective

Abstract

ISSUE: Designers and professionals can enhance the quality and outcomes of patient care by focusing on the patients’ perspectives and experience. APPLICATION: A comprehensive, patient–centered approach to facility design and the delivery of health care services can be developed. GOAL: The report hopes to promote the development and implementation of demonstration projects as “laboratories” to research and refine the elements of humanistic, patient–centered care. DESCRIPTION: A health care administrator involved in the implementation of the Planetree Model Hospital Project presents the background, motivation, and elements of this approach at two national demonstration sites. The design of physical spaces in health care facilities can be a major contributor to a more effective, satisfying experience for patients. Translating the values, principles, and programs of the patient–centered model requires a break from the traditional approach to health care design. Health care and design professionals, committed to creating a more humanistic health care experience, must focus on the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the patient. CONCLUSION: The future of health care delivery and facility design must be patient–centered and dedicated to a broad vision of healing. Expanding upon and refining the work of pioneers in this arena will require the commitment and involvement of design researchers, educators, and practitioners sensitive to the underlying values and principles of this approach.