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.