Thoughts on the Patient Room of the Future
When we envision the future, why is it always shiny and white?
That’s what “Patient Room 2020,” a concept project developed by NXT, Clemson University, and Birdtree Design looks like. This high-tech, plug-and play environment is clean, crisp, and kind of spaceship-like. But it’s very cool looking. (Apple, take note.)
Take out the patient bed and digital headwall, and it could also be a studio apartment of the future.
Patient room designs have undergone some changes in recent years. Most all new ones are private and include zones for the caregiver, patient, and family. Interior designers have become more creative with materials and finishes to make them less sterile. Give credit to product manufacturers for inspiring some of that creativity.
What hasn’t changed so much is the equipment and technology used to support patient care and treatment. In most cases, it’s still big, clunky, and ugly. (Equipment manufacturers, take note.)
Patient Room 2020 has a slick digital, silent, flat screen headboard that captures vital signs, houses gases, and holds the controls for all forms of lighting in the room. I suppose there is no need for COWs or other bedside computers, as everything will be stored on an iPad20 (or the next generation device where you don’t even need a screen or your fingers to operate it — iEye?).
I’d like to see the Patient Room 2020 design team tackle the idea of a patient lift. Maybe by that time, obesity won’t be a problem. Wishful thinking, but hey, it’s the future.
Many think the patient room of the future is your bedroom. Somehow, though, I think there will always be a need for a patient room in a hospital of some sort. So, kudos to the Patient Room 2020 design team for pushing the envelope a little. We’ll all be watching to see how it plays out.
June 10th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
My one question in Patient Room 2020 is if any of the elements of evidence based design were used. For me, Patient Room 2020 is too cold and almost mechanical. I would do all I could to avoid it. Patient Room 2020 for me would create the illusion of being in the forest, in the mountains or on a nice pleasant beach. I want Patient Room 2020 to help me make peace with all my friends, relations and the future just in case I have to leave.
August 16th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
[...] in June 2011 online on several websites, including FastCompany’s CoDesign, Architzer, and the Center for Health Design. Comments have ranged from very positive (“fascinating design concepts…”), to exceptionally [...]