Blog

Wayfinding often hampered by med speak

Healthcare Design magazine blog examines how word choice, acronyms can confuse hospital visitors


A blog by Healthcare Design magazine Editor-in-Chief Kristin Zeit recently discussed designer Kate Keating's wayfinding research. Keating's two-year study presented patients, visitors and other potential users with terminology currently used at a hospital in signage and other communications, and tested how well the terms were understood. According to the blog, only four out of 23 acronyms tested were correctly identified half the time or better. One hundred percent of those tested said they prefer layman’s terminology on signage over technical medical names.

Read the blog.

 

 



April 9, 2014


Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts

Making Healthcare Lighting Retrofits Work

Effective operational planning determines whether a retrofit project improves a facility or creates new problems.


Stadium Design is Reshaping Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals are turning to the sports industry for innovative ways to support healing and improve the patient experience.


AHN Reveals Plans to Build New Canonsburg Hospital in Pennsylvania

Construction of the new facility is anticipated to start in early 2027, with an anticipated opening in 2029.


Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families

Designers who can incorporate distractions into pediatric healthcare facilities can help children and families successfully navigate healthcare journeys.


Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies

Labor shortages and health system consolidation are driving new approaches to outpatient facility planning.


 
 


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.