Designed to be patient-centered

Examine how hospital designs and infrastructure are becoming patient-friendly, energy efficient, and green

- SUJAN BHATTACHARYYA

As the patient experience assumes priority, the concept of humanization of healthcare infrastructure is gaining traction and relevance rapidly in today's world. Caregivers recognize that patients are more than just numbers, and they must address their unique needs to provide the most effective care. Design thinking, therefore, prioritizes the creation of patient-centered healthcare spaces.

With the patient at their heart, caregivers are getting their hospitals or clinics designed in a way to incorporate features such as views of greenery and landscape, natural light, soothing colors, calming artwork, comfortable seating, slip-resistant floors, and more. All these elements do not just enhance the patient experience but also positively impact patient outcomes by alleviating stress, fear, and disquiet.

Here are some widely used ways of humanizing healthcare and healthcare infrastructure:

• Improving communication between healthcare providers and patients
• Providing patients with a comfortable and welcoming environment
• Engaging patients in care decision-making
• Lending emotional support to patients and their families 
• Offering complementary therapies such as music therapy and art therapy
• Training healthcare staff in the human sciences

Most critical aspect