Designed to improve healthcare

Can a building improve safety, reduce stress, improve effectiveness of care, and help patients and staff be healthier?

Yes, if the building is designed using the principles of evidence-based design. Similar to evidence-based medicine, which uses research to help physicians and others make clinical decisions, evidence-based design identifies which elements of the physical environment in hospitals contribute to better health for both patients and staff.

We are using evidence-based design in our new patient tower. For example, patients will have private rooms, because evidence shows that single-occupancy rooms reduce the risk of infection and patient stress, while fostering privacy, dignity, and communication between patient, family, and caregiver.

Good lighting—and natural light—will improve patient safety and reduce stress. Noise levels can be a big stressor, too, so we will install sound-absorbing materials. We will also make the hospital easy to navigate and therefore less stressful for patients, their families, and staff.

A view of the new hospital's walk-in ER entrance.