The Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is currently experiencing rapid change. The first of the baby-boomers has reached maturity with active life styles they would like to maintain for another decade or two. Quickly evolving technology has created advances in medical diagnostics and treatment that are high in demand. The cost to implement much of this technology is significant. However, the cost of not investing in the new technology can result in lost market share for healthcare providers. Cost containment is a serious concern in the healthcare industry.
Competition among healthcare institutions is intense. The goal to balance providing indigent care for those in need, with care for insured patients is a challenge, especially for inner-city institutions. For healthcare institutions to compete and thrive, they must invest in human resources to attract highly qualified caregivers, reach out to respond to their communities needs and wishes, and recognize the importance of family and friends in the care and healing process. It is also worth noting the built environment in which the healthcare services are provided is an integral part of the equation.
Invest in Human Resources
There is a tremendous opportunity for community colleges and universities to provide education and training for technicians needed in medicine-related fields. Schools of medicine in the Southeast Michigan region are expanding and opening satellite facilities in growing communities. Healthcare institutions must attract, train (we are life-long learners) and retain high quality and loyal employees. A high level of caregiver training and satisfaction will translate to a high quality of patient and family care. A positive and successful healthcare experience will reduce the level of “white coat anxiety”. It is important to remember the patients’ families are also customers. Repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers are the best way to maintain or expand any business.
Community Outreach
Many healthcare institutions are planning for community ambulatory care centers as a way of reaching their customer base and expanding their market share. The vision for the new ambulatory care centers is not just a medical office building or outpatient surgery center. The new ambulatory care centers will provide the expected clinical diagnostic and treatment services, and will also include facilities and services to promote a holistic, mind and body, healthy lifestyle. Facilities and services that may be provided at an ambulatory care center include:
- Indoor and outdoor family and employee fitness center
- Healthy lifestyle education
- Nutritious food cafes
- Healthy food preparation and cooking classes
- Med Spas and other stress management and relief
The ambulatory care centers will become community destination points rather than just places to receive traditional healthcare. Their environments will take on more of hospitality flair than a traditional clinical feel.
Focus on Family Involvement – “The family that stays healthy together…”
The importance of the involvement of family and friends in the care and healing process is evident. New hospitals are being designed with larger single patient rooms with space to accommodate extended visits by family and friends. Many rooms also have furniture that is flexible and can be converted to family sleeping for overnight visits. Family health clinics are being designed to include a few larger “kid-friendly” exam rooms. The room environments are less clinical and can accommodate the sick child, their parents and siblings. With our aging population and increasingly diverse culture, extended multi-generational families become involved when a member requires healthcare.
The Built Environment
A well-designed healthcare facility will be responsive to the needs of its customers, and enhance the brand identity of the healthcare provider. Design and planning decisions are based on a variety of information sources including research results and evaluations of other functioning facilities. Known as evidence based design, this process will continue to influence the planning and architecture of healthcare facilities. The results of research, and understanding cause and effect, changes how we think about healthcare facility functions.
The built environment for the healthcare facility includes the site and landscape design, building architecture and the interior environment. The interior environment is more than colors and materials. It reflects an understanding of how the staff and patients (the customers) will use the facility. The success of the interior environment is dependent on how spaces are planned, and the 3-dimensional articulation of spaces, lighting, and human comfort through temperature and humidity control. The customers of the healthcare facility are the staff, the patients, their families and friends, and the community. A facility that interactively involves their customers in the design process will result in an environment where the caregivers have a sense of ownership and personal satisfaction. Service to the patient will be done more efficiently, with fewer errors and with a higher level of satisfaction for the patients.
Contact French Associates today to become your healthcare architect! (248) 656.1377.
