Day 70: The Design of Healing

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

The Art of Healing
(Extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://www.sharpmemorial.com/hospital-healing-environment.html.)

Creating a healing environment is transforming health care in San Diego.  From private rooms to a meditation garden, Sharp Memorial Hospital means it.  This revolutionary group is redefining how to effectively deliver health care service.

Beginning with the architectural design, nature is included in the healing.  Natural light fills rooms, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the facility.  Gentle and inviting colors offset nature-based artwork.  Guests, as well as patients, are nurtured with plush furniture, live music, fresh fruit, spa water, and family lounges.  The garden offers an oasis of tranquility and respite. 

Caitlan Carrol of Marketplace Public Radio writes that, "At Sharp, families have a comfortable place to get coffee, put their feet up and gaze out at the garden. Even the beds play lullabies to help patients forget for a moment that they're in a hospital. If that helps patients relax, heal and get out of the hospital faster, that's music to everyone's ears" (extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

Peaceful Meditation
(Extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://www.sharpmemorial.com/hospital-healing-environment.html.)

There's more.  Who wants to be admitted to the hospital for one problem and end up with another?  "According to the Centers for Disease Control, so-called hospital-acquired infections cost more than $30 billion every year. And it all adds up to more health care costs. Not to mention the added pain and suffering for patients" (extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

Carrol asked Dan Gross,  Executive Vice President of Sharp Healthcare how the hospital was tackling this key issue.  Gross told Carrol that the facility is "'. . . a $200-million hospital in San Diego. And it's built with the principals of what's known as "evidence-based design.'"  Clarifying, Gross continues,  "'There's a lot of research today and a lot of conversation around how the design of a hospital really promotes comfort, healing and produces better quality outcomes for patients. Better outcomes as in fewer medical errors, infections and injuries. That saves hospitals, patients and insurers a lot of money.'  Gross points to a row of elevators to explain how the building design works. 'When we started designing our public transportation and our elevator system, we stole from the Disney concept of on-stage and off-stage work. There are a separate set of elevators for the public to keep germs away from patients with weak immune systems. Nurses have private areas off stage areas where they can prepare medications uninterrupted, so there are fewer distractions and fewer mistakes'"(extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

"Most hospitals are about as calm and relaxing as a busy airport. But at Sharp the only noise you might hear is Dan Gross hushing some nurses as we get off the elevator. . . At Sharp, loud speakers are rarely used. There are no big carts rumbling down the hallways. Gross told Carrol that "'. . .patients are more relaxed, too.'"  Stating, "'They're resting and sleeping more than they ever have before and the request for pain medications are decreasing'" (extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

"Nurse Carol DeVito says she had something to do with that. Staff members like her weighed in on the design changes." Stating, "'Actually I said these are non-negotiable. Two things, very simple, one was a linen hamper in every room, and the second thing was that I asked that we have some kind of cabinet or cart.  That way there is less need to move things. It's quieter and germs can't hitchhike on equipment as it rolls from room to room'" (extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

Healing by Design
(Extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://www.sharpmemorial.com/hospital-healing-environment.html.)

Blair Sadler, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement told Carrol that "alterations and additional medical gear can add millions of dollars to initial construction."  But, Sadler indicates that the investment pays off.  Stating, "Well if something costs an additional million dollars once and reduces operating costs by half-a-million dollars year after year after year, the payback becomes pretty obvious" (extracted on 15 March 2010 from http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/03/01/pm-hospital-design/).

So here we are.  We have an opportunity in front of us.  Sharp Memorial Hospital stepped out on a limb.  Will we?  In what ways can we advocate for a more holistic and service-oriented health care experience? 

May we take control of our health and health care service by advocating for the experience that we need.  May we advocate for ourselves, as well as those who are not willing or able.

Tonight I will publish a bit more about my new employer: Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.  (Yes, I got the job.)  Then, tomorrow, the weekly Livable series will feature Miami and some of the amazing things that they are doing there to make their city a more livable place to be. Again, my goal the week is to get ahead as much as possible so there won't be any more lags with the unexpected events in life.  Thank you for your patience and support.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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