Insights & Solutions

Vernacare’s single-use disposal systems incorporate bio-degradable bedpans, bowls and urinals that use touchless disposal technology and create a more hygienic, safe, and efficient solution for infection prevention and reduced staff exposure risks.

A letter from a patient to the CEO of one of New England’s premier hospitals saying how great the care she received was, but the physical environment, especially the art, was a true disservice to the patients. The CEO made it his mission to implement a fully donor funded art program hospital wide to create a calming space. In Great American Art's initial walk-thru, we noted the walls were filled with things that didn't aid in the healing process. Using EBD for art to guide selections, we enhanced the physical environment providing points of connection with meaningful works of art that help all deal with the challenging circumstances they face.

Degl' Innocenti, A., Wijk, H., Kullgren, A., Alexiou, E. (2020) The influence of evidence-based design on staff perceptions of a supportive environment for person-centered care in forensic psychiatry. Journal of Forensic Nursing

In recent years, there has been a philosophical shift to prioritize a therapeutic social model for long-term forensic psychiatric care over a curative or correctional model which dramatically changes expectations for and demands placed upon the design of the built environment. Research is needed to understand the relationship between the physical environment, provision of care, and workforce outcomes. This study used repeated questionnaires to solicit staff perceptions of and experience with the delivery of person-centered care before and after the relocation of three forensic psychiatric hospitals into new purpose-built facilities. The responses to the questionnaires did not produce any statistically significant outcomes but did reveal upward trends in staff perceptions about safety and everyday aesthetic. This study helps to illustrate how the provision of person-centered care is intended to honor those providing as well as receiving rehabilitation and reintegration care and services.

Olausson, S., Wijk, H., Berglund, I. J., Pihlgren, A., Danielson, E. (2021) Patients’ experiences of place and space after a relocation to evidence-based designed forensic psychiatric hospitals. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

The major aim of forensic psychiatric care is to provide rehabilitation and reintegration to prevent new crimes and violence by mentally ill patients. An environment that mirrors ‘normal life’ is seen as more congruent than traditional short-stay hospital settings. This study offers insight from the perspective of the patient in three secure inpatient care settings in Sweden. Photovoice data collection was used to empower patients to photograph and then explain the meaning attributed to environmental features. Four themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Having a private place; 2) Upholding one’s sense of self; 3) Feelings of comfort and harmony; and 4) Remaining connected to one’s life.  This study provides a method for engaging protected patient populations as equal contributors of insight for design.

Shepley, M. M., Peditto, K., Sachs, N. A., Pham, Y., Barankevich, R., Crouppen, G., Dresser, K. (2021) Staff and resident perceptions of mental and behavioural health environments. Building Research & Information

There is broad support for using the built environment as a therapeutic tool for advancing health outcomes. Understanding how features within the environment contribute to outcomes, however, is less clear. This study evaluated staff and patient perspectives related to the importance and the effectiveness of various environmental attributes within four mental and behavioral health care settings. In general, staff and patients achieved consensus for the rated importance of environmental attributes, but effectiveness ratings resulted in significant differences. This study exemplifies a commitment to engaging staff and patients in mental and behavioral health settings as equal contributors for insight related to the designed environment.

Representatives from internationally acclaimed children’s hospitals will share insights into the latest developments and future direction for the PICU. The esteemed faculty will present evidence-based design studies and best practices that integrate architecture, design and technology with innovative medical practice to create high quality, high-tech care in a safe and enriching environment. Attendees also will benefit from interactive scenario breakouts and share questions and ideas with the owners and faculty throughout the event.

This virtual workshop provides the latest in design thinking for behavioral health care and settings and offers state-of-the-art best practices through thought leader presentations, case studies, and panel discussions. Attendees will have opportunities to pose questions to workshop faculty and interact with fellow attendees in fun and innovative ways.  

Viconic Safety FlooringTM demonstrates the ability to greatly reduce the risk of fall-related hip fracture and traumatic brain injury in older adults. The ADA-compliant system supports mobility while enhancing comfort under foot.

This process guide consists of five broad steps to assist healthcare providers and facilities in the development of a functional program that will optimize subsequent planning, design and construction efforts for proposed capital projects.

The Workshop

Pre-fabrication and modular construction are one of the biggest trends in healthcare today, and by the look of its current trajectory, it is here to stay. There are many advantages, and challenges, when incorporating this type of construction in current and new healthcare design projects.