As patients continue to develop a more consumer mindset, healthcare providers are under increasing pressure to reduce cost, improve quality, promote safety and best practice in infection control – as well as enhance the experience of patients.
Balancing these requirements is a major challenge and furniture manufacturers have an essential role to play in the development and commercial production of items which meet those needs.
Adapting to change
Healthcare environments should be adaptable and designed to accommodate change – whether changing local demographics or for the introduction of new models of care. The design and layout of furniture should facilitate efficiency and communication to support care co-ordination and information sharing. Efficiency is also very important with space planning that minimises walking distance for both staff and patients.
Technology has impacted on the design of healthcare environments. In older furniture layouts, clinicians often had their backs to patients and family members during consultations. With new models of care and the use of tablets, eye contact is maintained, and the consultation process is less intimidating. Clinicians as a result need to be able to move around freely and engage effectively, which further enhances the quality of the patient experience.
The fundamentals of infection control
Infection control is central to the processes of any hospital. Fundamental elements of furniture design should underpin the control of contaminant build up in all patient contact areas. Access for cleaning has to be facilitated by the furniture design and the prevention of dirt traps. Finishes have to be both durable and easily cleaned with no surface joints.
The appearance of furniture should be attractive and non-institutional. Patient bedrooms are more than a space for a bed and medical equipment but should promote healing.
Furniture that is attractive and well maintained creates a positive environment for patients, visitors and staff. Designers and manufacturers are also looking to other sectors such as hospitality to influence the design of spaces and products for patients.
Privacy should also be considered when planning healthcare environments. It is possible to achieve a level of privacy and openness by using architectural wall solutions or mobile furniture to allow hospitals to accommodate each patient’s unique needs.
The diverse needs of the patient population
Understanding the diverse needs of the patient population can impact on furniture specification to enhance the overall patient experience. Families in children’s hospitals, for example, can spend long periods of time in the wards. Creating attractive, functional furniture with good storage and levels of comfort are key.
Patients with dementia may find it difficult to differentiate between items that are the same or a similar colour – for example furniture that is a similar colour to the floor and/or walls may blend in and affect the ability to use it safely. Using bright and contrasting colours for furniture and furnishings, or coloured edging can help these patients.
Furniture used in mental health facilities demonstrates how a healthcare provider regards the patient and the expected behaviours. Facilities are often conservative and focus on the anti-ligature specifications in psychiatric care environments. However, there are also models of care which advocate more domestic environments, removing institutional references. Here furniture should be comfortable and high quality; durable, safe and light. Modern materials can increase durability and lightness.
Furniture in waiting areas can support a more active and transitional environment – and can be designed to reflect the corporate identity of the healthcare provider in the use of colour and finish selection, as well as determining how comfortable the patients will be.
How to specify hospital furniture
A thorough analysis of each department’s processes and patient flows at the outset is essential. Mock-up rooms can be developed by the manufacturer to help achieve the optimum clinical functionality and aesthetic design.
Consider life cycle costing. This is important to achieve long-term value but is too frequently overlooked in furniture specification.
A good, specialist hospital furniture manufacturer will engage with the design and construction team at an early stage to develop the specification for manufacture and ensure the specific project requirements are met with as few deviations as possible.
Glue and dowel construction for cabinetry and pre-assembled carcases will radically reduce work and the number of fitters on site and should significantly improve quality. This type of furniture is also more durable to withstand the long-term rigours of a healthcare environment that may be in use 24/7.
A UK-based manufacturer will provide continuity of supply and reduces the risk of delays. Lead times should also be shorter, particularly in the supply of replacement products – and will support the UK manufacturing economy.
New build hospital projects typically have many variations in room layouts and more complex specialist items. This requires a high degree of project management to review the programme, manage manufacture and meet the contractor’s stringent delivery schedule. Skilled, trained fitters should be closely supervised by the furniture supplier’s directly employed project manager to maintain the quality of fitting out.
A track record in healthcare is also strongly recommended so the manufacturer can demonstrate a clear understanding of project requirements and detailed specifications – from producing compliant and accurate tenders, to developing designs that reflect best practice in infection control.