Methodist Richardson Medical Center in Richardson, Texas, recently worked with Steelcase Health to design a new approach to waiting spaces as a result of studying the experiences of patients and observing people in more than 60 healthcare waiting rooms.
Ken Hutchenrider, president of Methodist Richardson Medical Center, discussed the ideas behind the waiting rooms—turning transitional moments in the healthcare experience into productive ones with spaces for entertainment, work, and relaxation.
Interiors & Sources: Innovative healthcare design isn’t about a single patient or space—it’s about the needs of an entire community. With this new strategic focus within the facility, how is Methodist helping the community where the hospital is located?
Ken Hutchenrider: We evaluated the design of our new facility to focus on how to be more effective and efficient in the work that we do for our community. Steelcase Health helped us to incorporate the role of the family caregiver and other family members into the design to address the specific needs of our patients. Through our partnership, we created waiting spaces that offer versatile zones to relax, watch television, and eat. We also designed business zones with plenty of outlets to allow individuals to stay connected to work outside of the office.
I&S: The U.S. population is rapidly aging. How is this influencing what Methodist is doing in its facilities. How is Methodist addressing its needs?
KH: The facility’s new design helps minimize travel between various departments within our medical center. We specifically designed bathrooms without transition areas and to offer easy access, along with integrating technology between our patient beds and incorporated room lighting that automatically illuminate when patients attempt to exit their bed to prevent falls. Additionally, we’ve added valet parking to help our senior population have easy access to the front door of the facility, and open surface parking to eliminate the need to navigate through a parking garage.
I&S: What is the No.1 key to remember when designing a space with the aging population in mind?
KH: It’s important to design a space with easy, convenient access to all the areas where the patient will receive care and services. All of our outpatient services are located on the first floor in order to make it as easy as possible for all patients to get in and out of our facility. Hospitals can also incorporate simple wayfinding messages to help direct patients and their families.
I&S: Where do you see healthcare design going in the future, including designing for the aging population?
KH: With the rise of consumer choice in healthcare, hospitals must seriously rethink their approach to the built environment to attract and retain patients. I also believe that technology will continue to be evident in all aspects of healthcare design, while convenience will be of the utmost importance in order to minimize travel time for the elderly population.
