Designing for Patient Recovery: The Impact of Facility Design on Health and Well-being

Jackie Gonzalez, a former pancreatic cancer patient, is making a significant impact on the design of healthcare facilities at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. After her cancer went into remission, Gonzalez joined a group of volunteers made up of current and former patients of the University of Miami Health System (UHealth) and their families.

During a recent site visit for a new facility, Gonzalez suggested adding benches along a long hallway for patients who need to rest. This input, along with feedback from other patients and healthcare professionals, is shaping the design of the new facility in Doral, set to open in September 2024.

Soudabeh Eskandari, a senior project manager with UHealth Design and Construction, also a former cancer patient, emphasizes the importance of smaller details in healthcare design. She ensured that infusion rooms in the Cancer Treatment Unit have closet space and comfortable seating for caregivers.

The new facility in Doral will prioritize natural light over harsh fluorescent lighting, as studies have shown that lighting can impact patient outcomes. Dr. Diana Anderson, a geriatrician and healthcare architect, coined the term “dochitect” to highlight the integration of medicine and architecture in healthcare design.

Anderson believes that the design of healthcare facilities can have a significant impact on patient well-being and recovery. She also emphasizes the importance of designing spaces for staff well-being, as it can ultimately affect the care they provide.

Overall, the collaboration between patients, healthcare professionals, and architects in designing healthcare facilities is crucial for improving patient outcomes and creating healing environments.