Designing for needs of cancer patients

Interiors throughout common, treatment, patient services and staff areas should focus on patients' needs

April 9, 2015

A successful healthcare facility interior should answer to the needs of cancer patients and care providers throughout common, treatment, patient services and staff areas, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

Because of the heavy traffic in the lobby, noise control, durable and safe flooring materials and easy wayfinding should be considered.

In waiting rooms, a variety of furniture configurations offer patients with socialization options preferences. Providing a variety of chair options is important, because patients generally lose weight during treatment, and sitting on hard cushions can be painful. However, soft seating can limit their ability to pull themselves up, the article said.

Carpet can be hard for maintenance and wheelchair navigation and should only be used in the sitting area.

Read the article.