Medical-Surgical Patient Room

Download all design outcomes and strategies

Medical-surgical patient rooms constitute a significant component of a hospital building project, with a large body of research evidence and best practice knowledge for designers to draw upon in order to create a best design that successfully addresses unique issues in the design of each project.

Select a section of the Medical-Surgical Patient Room to learn more about it:

Layout - Overall
Layout - Staff zone
Layout - Patient zone
Layout - Family zone
Flooring
Wall
Ceiling
Window
Door
HVAC
Lighting
Furniture
Casework / storage
Handrail
Sink / alcohol gel dispenser
Patient handling / movement equipment
Communication / monitoring equipment
Sound-masking equipment
Privacy curtain

Layout - Overall

Layout - Staff zone

Layout - Patient zone

Layout - Family zone

Flooring

Wall

Ceiling

Window

Door

HVAC

Lighting

Furniture

Casework / storage

Handrail

Sink / alcohol gel dispenser

Patient handling / movement equipment

Communication / monitoring equipment

Sound-masking equipment

Privacy curtain

Layout - Overall
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Space for clearly defined patient / family / caregiver zones citation

Clearances for wheelchair, furniture and medical equipment

Clearance between bed and chair enabling pivot-turn for wheelchair

Bathroom door is visible to the patient while in bed citation

Large bathroom door openings to accommodate patient, attached equipment and caregiver citation

No equipment or other obstruction in the path from bed to bathroom citation

Adequate numbers of patient rooms and bathrooms designed specifically for bariatric patients

Spatial clearance (e.g. door width) for bariatric patients
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Single bed patient room citation

Private bathroom for individual patients citation
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

All elements in the patient room located and oriented uniformly across all patient rooms

Space at headwall / footwall for emergency procedures

Space allotted based on detailed analysis of mobile equipment (such as: intravenous [IV] pumps, medication cart, crash cart, portable lifts, telemedicine equipment) which may be used in the room, and their location

A clear path to move the bed in / out of room

Minimum environmental obstacles that interfere with care delivery (e.g. starting an intravenous [IV] pump, monitoring vitals, helping patient to bathroom) citation

Clearly defined zones for patient, family and caregiver citation

Adjacencies to minimize staff walking and increase efficiency

Sufficient space and provision for equipment, medical gases, and power capacity to accommodate different levels of patient acuity including codes citation

Sufficient spaces for the use of bedside electronic medical records (in-room EMR devices including computers, barcode scanners, etc.)
Desirable Outcome
Improved communication
Design Strategies

Place for a physician / nurse to sit / stand around the patient bed to converse with the patient
Desirable Outcome
Improved Job satisfaction
Design Strategies

Large single rooms citation

Flexible patient room layout accommodating care activities when patient needs change (e.g. sufficient spaces for various care activities) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Single-bed patient rooms citation

Nature view out of window in patient’s line of sight citation

Unappealing elements hidden from view (trash cans, soiled linen, scrub basin, sharps container, etc.)
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Single-bed patient rooms citation

Flexible patient room layout accommodating care activities when patient needs change (e.g. acuity-adaptable rooms, universal rooms) to reduce need for patient transfers citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved comfort
Design Strategies

Accommodation for amenities for patient and family as considered appropriate, such as power outlets, phones, etc.
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Single-bed patient rooms citation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced privacy
Design Strategies

Single-bed patient rooms citation

Minimum perceived visibility from corridor or public:caregiver can see the patient in a manner that protects patient's privacy
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced security
Design Strategies

A clear path for caregiver exiting from room in case of any violence from patient or family members
Desirable Outcome
Change-readiness / future-proofing
Design Strategies

Adequate room size to absorb additional functions as needed (such as an additional bed in case of emergencies)
Layout - Staff zone
Desirable Outcome
Safe delivery of care
Design Strategies

Medication Safety Zones (MSZ) identified within the patient room

MSZ located out of circulation paths to limit interruption and distraction citation

Space provided for medication associated equipment (e.g. barcode reader) and safety technology (e.g. computerized physician order entry [CPOE]) in the MSZ citation

Space provided for mobile medication-dispensing cart (if used)

Organized and uncluttered workspace in the MSZ

Sharps container that is easy to access
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Space for charting (electronic medical record [EMR] and manual) away from sink
Layout - Patient zone
Desirable Outcome
Safe delivery of care
Design Strategies

Visual access to patient from corridor / decentralized nursing station (ability to see patient’s head) citation

Room layout minimizes walking distance from nursing stations to patient bed citation

Minimum visual obstacles between nursing stations and patient head (e.g. glass doors, windows on doors)
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Space at headwall / footwall for emergency procedures

Bed and chair clearances for safe patient handling

Space for preparation for clinical procedures

Space for people and equipment in a code blue response

Space accommodation for patient handling / movement equipment (e.g. ceiling lifts) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Bed location / orientation to move patient head away from the door (without compromising patient monitoring)
Layout - Family zone
Desirable Outcome
Improved communication
Design Strategies

Family space positioned in line of sight of staff so they can be included in the conversation

Furniture configured to facilitate communication
Desirable Outcome
Improved family presence and engagement in patient care
Design Strategies

Furniture (desk / chair / sleeper chair) that does not encroach into the patient / caregiver zone

Family ability to see and hear the TV without disturbing the patient

Visual connection between family and patient zones

Ability for family to reach out and touch patient, and provide bed-side care

Access to areas outside of patient room, but in close proximity for family breaks (lounge, meditation room) citation
Flooring
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Flush flooring transitions citation

Flooring stable, firm and slip-resistant, especially around water usage area (e.g. bath, shower)

Minimum joints and seams to ensure that sharp edged objects, like walking sticks or heels, do not cause trips

Low reflectance value (LRV) of finish to minimize glare citation

Low contrast in flooring patterns citation

Minimum changes between flooring types within the room citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of injury
Design Strategies

Flooring with energy-absorbent properties (to absorb the force of impact that causes injury, for example rubber) balanced with firmness (to reduce the risk of falling due to poor balance) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Smooth surfaces, with minimum perforations and crevices

Minimum ridges or reveals that could serve as dust collectors

Manufacturers’ recommended cleaning protocols for the selected surface and finish materials compatible with recommendations by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities citation

Coved right angles between wall and floor

Joints and seams treated for easy clean / maintenance
Desirable Outcome
Improved staff health
Design Strategies

Balance of floor cushioning for underfoot comfort with roller mobility to address staff fatigue associated with standing as well as pushing heavy equipment citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved job satisfaction
Design Strategies

Attractive design in staff work zone and other areas (non-institutional materials and colors) citation

High durability to minimize visual cracks, stains and damages

Noise-reduction measures in patient room including staff work zone (e.g. sound absorbing finishes) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Floor that does not scratch / scuff easily

Non-institutional appearance citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finish materials) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Floor that does not scratch / scuff easily

Non-institutional appearance citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finish materials) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Flooring with high sound absorbing properties and low sound transmitting properties citation

Floor finish and sub-floor conditions that mitigate noise levels transmitted by adjacent spaces citation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced privacy
Design Strategies

Sound absorption or blocking measures to minimize sound transmission between patient rooms, and between patient rooms and corridors citation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced durability
Design Strategies

Materials that can prevent the growth of mildew and mold due to moisture retention citation

Materials with high lifecycle performance: minimum wear and tear over time; sustaining recommended cleaning protocols citation

Flooring that sustains the impact of mobile equipment (e.g. flooring materials including adhesive compatible with equipment weight to avoid indentation) and other frequent wear and tear citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Finish materials with low hazardous content including plasticizers, volatile organic compounds, latex, and so on citation

Finish material production associated with less energy use and lower level of greenhouse gas emission or recyclable materials citation
Wall
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Smooth surfaces, with minimum perforations and crevices

Minimum ridges or reveals that could serve as dust collectors

Manufacturers’ recommended cleaning protocols for the selected surface and finish materials compatible with recommendations by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities citation

Joints and seams treated for easy clean / maintenance

Wipe-able / washable, easy-to-clean / disinfect High Touch Surfaces with minimal joints / seams in the room citation
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Medical gases / power outlets mirrored on either side of the bed

Convenient nurse control over lighting and temperature

Locations of equipment, connections, outlets verified with various caregivers for ease of access and use

Sound-absorbing finish materials to reduce overall noise level so the alarm volume level could be reduced
Desirable Outcome
Improved job satisfaction
Design Strategies

Attractive design in staff work zone and other areas (overall aesthetics, non-institutional materials and colors) citation

High durability for all elements (e.g. materials) to minimize visual cracks, stains and damages

Noise-reduction measures in patient room including staff work zone (e.g. sound absorbing finishes) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety) citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finishes) citation

Nature-themed artwork (print, electronic, or immersive) with unambiguous, clear, and culturally appropriate content in patient’s line of sight (ensure that visibility is not impaired by glare) citation

Access to music (with choice and volume control) citation

Presence of clock and watch for patient’s orientation to the time of day citation

Soundproof walls to block external noise (e.g. planes, traffic), if needed
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced patient sense of control
Design Strategies

Patient control of adjustable temperature, varied / dimmable lighting and shade, and entertainment within reach of bed and chair
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient engagement
Design Strategies

Patient access to electronic media for education and entertainment
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Positive visual distractions (e.g. nature scene artworks) citation

Positive audio distractions (e.g. music, nature sounds) citation

Non-institutional looking finish materials, fixtures, and furniture citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finishes) citation

Intuitive and easy-to-use environmental controls
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Wall construction and finish blocking / absorbing sound from outside, corridor, and adjacent rooms citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used
Desirable Outcome
Change readiness / future-proofing
Design Strategies

Electrical power, data and medical gas outlets (number and spacing) in all zones (headwall, footwall, caregiver, patient and family zones)
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Cost-effective insulation materials on exterior wall citation

Finish materials with low hazardous content including plasticizers, volatile organic compounds, latex, and so on citation

Finish material production associated with less energy use and lower level of greenhouse gas emission or recyclable materials citation
Ceiling
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Smooth surfaces, with minimum perforations and crevices

Minimum ridges or reveals that could serve as dust collectors

Manufacturers’ recommended cleaning protocols for the selected surface and finish materials compatible with recommendations by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities citation

Joints and seams treated for easy clean / maintenance
Desirable Outcome
Safe & efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Noise-reduction measures to reduce noise level in MSZ (e.g. sound absorbing finishes, soundless alarms) citation

Sound-absorbing finish materials to reduce overall noise level so the alarm volume level could be reduced
Desirable Outcome
Improved job satisfaction
Design Strategies

Attractive design in staff work zone and other areas (overall aesthetics, non-institutional materials and colors) citation

High durability for all elements (e.g. materials) to minimize visual cracks, stains and damages

Noise-reduction measures in patient room including staff work zone (e.g. sound absorbing finishes) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety) citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finish materials) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety) citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finish materials) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Use of acoustic tiles with high noise reduction coefficient (NRC) ratings citation

Sound-absorbing ceiling construction and finish citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Finish materials with low hazardous content including plasticizers, volatile organic compounds, latex, and so on citation

Finish material production associated with less energy use and lower level of greenhouse gas emission or recyclable materials citation
Window
Desirable Outcome
Improved job satisfaction
Design Strategies

Daylight accessible to staff when working in patient rooms citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Presence of windows (with patient controlled shades) and other daylight harvesting methods (such as skylights) citation

Large windows for natural day light and window views citation

Soundproof windows / walls to block external noise (e.g. planes, traffic), if needed

Non-institutional looking finish materials citation

Glare sources (window) designed to minimize patient discomfort
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Presence of windows (with patient controlled shades) and other daylight harvesting methods (such as skylights) citation

Large windows for natural day light and window views citation

Soundproof windows / walls to block external noise (e.g. planes, traffic), if needed

Non-institutional looking finish materials citation

Glare sources (window) designed to minimize patient discomfort
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced privacy
Design Strategies

Prevention of patient being viewed from outside through exterior windows
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Double-glazed windows, low U-value (measure of heat loss) glazing citation

Solar shading (e.g. reflective internal solar shadings) citation

Materials with low hazardous content including plasticizers, volatile organic compounds, latex, and so on citation

Material production associated with less energy use and lower level of greenhouse gas emission or recyclable materials citation
Door
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Bathroom door is visible to the patient while in bed citation

Large door openings to accommodate patient, attached equipment and caregiver citation

Spatial clearance (e.g. door width) for bariatric patients
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Wipe-able / washable, easy-to-clean / disinfect High Touch Surfaces with minimal joints / seams(e.g. door knobs) in the room citation

Smooth surfaces, with minimum perforations and crevices

Minimum ridges or reveals that could serve as dust collectors

Manufacturers’ recommended cleaning protocols for the selected surface and finish materials compatible with recommendations by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities citation

Joints and seams treated for easy clean / maintenance
Desirable Outcome
Safe delivery of care
Design Strategies

Minimum visual obstacles between nursing stations and patient head (e.g. glass doors, windows on doors)
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Non-institutional looking finish materials citation

Noise reduction measures (e.g. sound-absorbing finishes) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Door construction and finish blocking / absorbing sound from outside, corridor, and adjacent rooms citation

Minimal noise from equipment operation (e.g. door closure, curtain track)
Desirable Outcome
Improved privacy
Design Strategies

Sound absorption or blocking measures (e.g. acoustic ceiling tile) to minimize sound transmission between patient rooms, and between patient rooms and corridors

Minimum perceived visibility from corridor or public areas (e.g. windowless door):caregiver can see the patient in a manner that protects patient's privacy
Desirable Outcome
Improved durability
Design Strategies

Door warrantied for prolonged time

Materials that can prevent the growth of mildew and mold due to moisture retention citation

Materials with high lifecycle performance: minimum wear and tear over time; sustaining recommended cleaning protocols citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Materials with low hazardous content including plasticizers, volatile organic compounds, latex, and so on citation

Material production associated with less energy use and lower level of greenhouse gas emission or recyclable materials citation
HVAC
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Easy-to-clean HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment citation

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) filters citation

High-efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filters citation

Uniform, non-mixed airflow patterns whereby contaminants are directed toward exhaust registers and grilles citation

Negative-pressured rooms for infectious patients, as needed citation

Positive-pressured rooms for immunocompromised patients, as needed citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved comfort
Design Strategies

Ventilation and air conditioning system accommodates temperature differences during different seasons citation

Air exchange rate to avoid stuffiness without causing drafts citation

Quiet heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced durability
Design Strategies

Equipment warrantied for prolonged time

Insulating material for the variable air flow units selected to function for the projected lifecycle for the unit citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

High rate of air changes per hour citation

Positioning of ventilation grilles on the ceiling for efficient ventilation and comfort citation

Equipment and other measures to monitor and control air quality (e.g. filtration, physical barriers) during construction / renovation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems citation
Lighting
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Night-lighting located between bed and bathroom citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Minimum ridges, reveals, or horizontal surfaces on objects that could serve as dust collectors
Desirable Outcome
Safe delivery of care
Design Strategies

Task-lighting in the MSZ for
Computer order entry and handwritten order-processing if performed in the patient room
Medication preparation and administration
Visual confirmation of the correct patient (reading arm band), correct medication and dosage, identification and observation of the administration site citation

Lighting (#, quality and locations) for patient monitoring and assessment

Lighting enabling caregiver to check on the patient and equipment (intravenous [IV] pump etc.) at night-time without disturbing patient
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Lighting at point of care and around patient bed for detailed examination of patient

Lighting to support patient care activities in the room without disturbing the patient at all times of the day / night
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Lighting design allows lighting variation (i.e. bright light during day time and reduced light during night time) for the purpose of maintaining patients' circadian rhythm citation

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety, soft / yielding furnishing) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Lighting design allows lighting variation (i.e. bright light during day time and reduced light during night time) for the purpose of maintaining patients' circadian rhythm citation

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety, soft / yielding furnishing) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved family presence and engagement in patient care
Design Strategies

Lighting for family space that does not disturb patients
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Energy-efficient lighting fixtures (e.g. light-emitting diode [LED] lighting fixture)

Lighting controls to reduce waste of energy for lighting (e.g. photoelectric dimming system, occupancy sensors) citation
Furniture
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Furniture sturdy and stable to support patient transfer and weight bearing requirements (including requirements for bariatric patients)

Chairs with armrests,

Easily seen casters for rolling furniture that can be locked;

Space beneath the chair to support foot position changes;

Adjustable chair height and back to enable the sit-to-stand movement

Furniture designed for bariatric patients
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of injury
Design Strategies

No sharp edges in furniture and fixtures found in patient / caregiver pathways (e.g. rounded corners of casework)
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Minimum ridges, reveals, or horizontal surfaces on objects that could serve as dust collectors

Minimum surface joints / seams

Smooth & nonporous surfaces

Impervious material for upholstery
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety, soft / yielding furnishing) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety, soft / yielding furnishing) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved family presence and engagement in patient care
Design Strategies

Comfortable and flexible accommodation / place (e.g. chair, sofa bed) for families to rest or lie down chair / sofa

Furniture configured to facilitate interaction between patient and family
Desirable Outcome
Improved comfort
Design Strategies

Furniture suitable for wide-age and size variations (consider bariatric populations)

Sleep sofa / chair comfortable for overnight stay

Patient chair comfortable without compromising safety
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced privacy
Design Strategies

Furniture configured to allow patient and family privacy
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced durability
Design Strategies

Furniture warrantied for prolonged time
Casework / storage
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of injury
Design Strategies

No sharp edges in fixtures found in patient / caregiver pathways (e.g. rounded corners of casework)

Spaces for storing patient handling / movement devices and accessories when not in use (in room or in other quickly accessible spaces in unit)
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Minimum ridges, reveals, or horizontal surfaces on objects that could serve as dust collectors

Top of casework, headwall and other fixed items visible and accessible to be cleaned (if they create horizontal surfaces that can collect dust)
Desirable Outcome
Efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Flexible but defined options for storage of common medical supplies (linens, medication, etc.), close to the patient (in or outside the room) to decrease staff time fetching supplies based on a confirmed supply policy

Visual and tactile discrimination between medical supplies through use of size, color and texture

Sufficient spaces for storage of bedside electronic medical records (in-room EMR devices including computers, barcode scanners, etc.)
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Visual clutter (e.g. equipment and wires) in the room minimized

Equipment and wires hidden from patient view (e.g. stowed away equipment / surgical light, concealed gas outlets) when not in use but easily accessible when needed
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced patient sense of control
Design Strategies

Provision for secured storage in patient and family zone

Bed-side storage accessible to patient lying in bed
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced security
Design Strategies

Provisions to lock patient’s valuables

Provisions to lock sensitive medical supplies
Desirable Outcome
Change-readyness / furture-proofing
Design Strategies

Reconfigurable casework
Handrail
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Supported path (e.g. handrail) from bed to bathroom citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Wipe-able / washable, easy-to-clean / disinfect High Touch Surfaces with minimal joints / seams(e.g. bedside rails) in the room citation
Sink / alcohol gel dispenser
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Built-in sinks with seamless countertop surface citation

Faucets located off-center (to the side of drain) to prevent bio-film splash citation

Deep sink basins to prevent splashing from drain to other surfaces citation

Water pressure modulated to prevent bio-film splash citation

Distance or blockage between sinks and patient area to prevent bio-film splash to patient area citation

Wipe-able / washable, easy-to-clean / disinfect High Touch Surfaces with minimal joints / seams(e.g. faucets, sinks) in the room citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved hand sanitation practices
Design Strategies

ICRA (infection control risk assessment) reviewed location

Sink / dispenser visible to staff as they enter the room citation

Ergonomically design for ease of use (e.g. height suitable for staff population, faucet height / location, lighting, foot pedal [if any] location)

Sink / dispenser visible and accessible to patients and family but far away enough to prevent bio-film splash to patient area

Visual cues directing attention to sink / dispenser citation

Electronic hand hygiene reminders citation

Sensor technology for faucets, towel dispensers, alcohol gel dispensers, soap dispensers etc. citation

Other hands free mechanisms (e.g. wrist blades) for faucets, towel dispensers, alcohol gel dispensers, soap dispensers etc.
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Minimal noise from equipment operation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced sustainability
Design Strategies

Low-consumption flush valves and aerators on toilets, urinals, and lavatory faucets; flow control faucets citation
Patient handling / movement equipment
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient mobility and reduced falls
Design Strategies

Clear path for use of patient handling / movement equipment (e.g. ceiling-lift) from patient bed to bathroom citation

Standing assist aids / lifts with ambulation capacity

Patient handling / movement devices specifically designed for bariatric patients
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of injury
Design Strategies
Desirable Outcome
Improved staff health
Design Strategies

Ceiling lifts for patient handling / movement (e.g. lifting arms / legs, lateral transfers, repositioning for patient care, transportation, and other tasks). Include coverage to the bathroom; using traverse tracks to ensure coverage to key locations in the room

Position of ceiling lift tracks for main patient handling / movement tasks (e.g. moving patient from bed to wheelchair, lifting legs / arms, positioning / repositioning) citation

Floor (portable) lifts for patient handling / movement; including moving patient to the bathroom citation

Other patient handling / movement equipment if included in the functional program (e.g. sling, lateral transfer devices, stand assist aids) citation
Communication / monitoring equipment
Desirable Outcome
Safe & efficient delivery of care
Design Strategies

Noiseless paging / visual alarms and displays

Selection of alarm systems with centralized alarms at nursing stations and other features to reduce noise in patient rooms

Telemedicine connections
Desirable Outcome
Improved communication
Design Strategies

Visible and legible communication systems (such as patient room boards) to provide care team information to patients and families

Easily accessible communication system (e.g. telephone, intercom) for staff between patient room and other care spaces (e.g. nursing station)
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Minimum noise sources in / around patient room (e.g. bedside phone) citation

Elimination or reduction of noise sources (alarms, pagers, hands free communication etc.) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved comfort
Design Strategies

Minimum noise sources in / around patient room (e.g. bedside phone) citation

Elimination or reduction of noise sources (alarms, pagers, hands free communication etc.) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved family presence and engagement in patient care
Design Strategies

Wireless connectivity / cellphone access
Desirable Outcome
Improved security
Design Strategies

Caregiver control over computer screen to allow private entering of information (to protect electronic medical record [EMR] from being viewed by other patients and unrelated staff) as well as sharing of information with patient (when needed)
Desirable Outcome
Change readiness / future-proofing
Design Strategies

Coordination with information technology (IT) and communications experts to plan flexible infrastructure that can adapt to expected future technologies
Sound-masking equipment
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Use of white noise / sound masking to reduce disruptions from noise (such as white noise machines) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved comfort
Design Strategies

Use of white noise / sound masking to reduce disruptions from noise (such as white noise machines) citation
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced privacy
Design Strategies

Technology to filter / mask external noise such as white noise machine; pillow speaker and access to music citation
Privacy curtain
Desirable Outcome
Reduced risk of contamination
Design Strategies

Privacy curtains that can be cleaned and disinfected (e.g. waterproof shower curtains) or are dispensable

Clips or handles used on privacy curtains to minimize contact area that should be cleaned and disinfected

Curtains that can be easily removed for cleaning and re-installed

Wipe-able/washable, easy-to-clean /disinfect High Touch Surfaces with minimal joints/seams in the room citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced patient stress, anxiety
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety) citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved patient satisfaction
Design Strategies

Non-glare finishes

Non-institutional looking finish materials (e.g. subtle / soft contemporary color, texture variety) citation
Desirable Outcome
Reduced noise
Design Strategies

Minimal noise from equipment operation (e.g. curtain track)
Desirable Outcome
Privacy
Design Strategies

Minimum perceived visibility from corridor or public areas:caregiver can see the patient in a manner that protects patient's privacy
Desirable Outcome
Enhanced durability
Design Strategies

Materials that can prevent the growth of mildew and mold due to moisture retention citation

Materials with high lifecycle performance: minimum wear and tear over time; sustaining recommended cleaning protocols citation
Desirable Outcome
Improved air quality
Design Strategies

Minimum emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs);

Materials that meet guidelines laid out in Green Guide for Healthcare 2007; and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) for Healthcare Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

Minimum need for surface coating and aerosol spray cleaners

Low toxicity of materials used