Patient First Care System

The patient first care system is a statement that most hospitals run by, but many are still trying to achieve. This would put emphasis on the outcomes of the patient and their well-being over everything else. It’s important to ensure an effective, patient-centered clinical environment that is conducive to the delivery of high-quality care. In an article published by HealthcareDesignMagazine.com, the following points in the article Is Your Point of Care Ecosystem Future-Ready?

How to Successfully Design for Patient First Care

The key to success is adopting a patient-centered approach that views the exam rooms and equipment as part of the point of care ecosystem. The point-of-care ecosystem encompasses the direct interaction between patients and caregivers. It also includes equipment within the practice or clinic that could impact the patient experience and efficiency levels.

Adopting a patient-centered approach provides a framework in which healthcare organizations can make equipment and layout decisions that can help ensure a balanced approach.

Point-of-Care Questionnaire

Consider these ten important questions to ensure people and experiences are top-of-mind during any new design project in ambulatory care.

1. How will the equipment and rooms be used?
2. Are the proposed equipment and point of care space the right fit for our patient population and staff?
3. Are the proposed equipment and workflow specifically designed for our clinical space?
4. How will the proposed equipment and workflow impact patient/caregiver interactions, patient/staff satisfaction, and clinical outcomes?
5. How will the proposed equipment and point of care space change/enhance/co-exist with our current workflows and configurations?
6. Can the proposed equipment and workflow be standardized across our healthcare network?
7. Are the proposed equipment and workflow designed for and meet applicable government regulations and industry standards?
8. Do the proposed equipment and workflow offer the flexibility to address our future needs or growth strategies?
9. Do the proposed equipment and workflow allow for easy IT/technology integration?
10. Will the equipment and technology provider be a true partner, working closely with us to identify opportunities and determine the return on investment?

Thoughtful Design Improves Quality of Care

Changes in the healthcare industry are placing greater importance on experiences, interactions, and outcomes in the ambulatory space. By asking the right questions about room layout and equipment decisions, healthcare organizations can help ensure each is considered equally. This will provide a solid foundation to help focus on the fundamentals of effective patient encounters and quality care.

To read more articles like this checkout First Impressions and Patient Experience, Patient Experience Surveys Guide Change, Like Access to Care, and Thoughtful Design Impacts a Patient’s Outcome

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped modernize healthcare organizations locally, regionally, and internationally, improving patient experience and outcomes. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff