University of Alabama-Birmingham

Palliative care unit designs focus on calm and comfort

Quiet, homelike atmostphere key to de-stressing patients and families

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Creating a palliative care unit within a hospital means redesigning an existing space or the creation of a new one. In either case, according to a recent article in Health Facilities Management Magazine, the physical environment - along with the medical personnel - will influence the success of the treatment.

Palliative care comes after the high activity of seeking a cure or reversing a disease. The care still continues, however, and can increase exponentially, accordion to the article. A palliative care plan will include symptom control and pain management as well as counseling. 

For a PCU within the hospital a quiet space with natural lighting is preferable. Key component of effective palliative care room include:

• Natural light. 

• Light fixtures, clocks and Internet access. 

• Floor and ceiling finishes. 

• Artwork. 

• Televisions and stereo systems. 

• Hospital-based electronic systems. 

• Patient and family storage. 

The goal for a PCU room is to create a homelike environment. The aesthetic should approach a spalike setting, according to the article. Colors and furnishings, as well as lighting and artwork should be chosen to offer a sense of calm and comfort for both patient and family.

Read the article.

 



September 16, 2013


Topic Area: Renovations


Recent Posts

What Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities Should Look Like

The future of design for senior care facilities should go beyond compliance.


Corewell Health to Expand Grand Rapids and Troy Hospitals

Major expansions at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital are planned.


Shoshone Medical Center Reports Data Breach

In response to this incident, it has implemented additional security measures within its systems and is reviewing its current policies and procedures related to data security.


Cyberattack Results in Patient Reroutes at Anne Arundel Medical Center

A recent cyberattack on Luminis Health Care led to care disruptions and treatment cancelations at Maryland hospital.


Tangram Furnishes Be Well OC Irvine Behavioral Health Campus

Case study: Through a public-private partnership, Be Well OC’s 22-acre Irvine campus expands Orange County’s continuum of behavioral healthcare.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.