Hospital humanization focuses on designing spaces that prioritize the patient, creating environments that facilitate faster recovery by providing safety, rest, and care.
When a patient is admitted for a medium to long period, the hospital room temporarily becomes their home. Therefore, the design of these rooms must go beyond functionality and traditional design, embracing also the humanization of the space.
Importance of the Environment in Patient Recovery
There is a direct relationship between patient recovery and the surrounding environment. In recent years, there have been numerous changes and improvements in healthcare architecture, with an increasing focus on a more human and approachable architecture, moving away from the overly medicalized environment. This trend is also reflected in the choice of medical equipment that adapts to this new humanized architecture.
“At Tedisel Medical, we are committed to developing, innovating, and manufacturing hospital equipment to improve staff efficiency and provide quality patient care.”
Humanization of Hospital Spaces
The humanization of hospital spaces goes beyond providing a pleasant environment for patients; it also involves creating an optimal environment for medical and support staff. It is crucial to design considering the needs of all the people interacting in the hospital environment.
For example, the Hospital del Mar has initiated a significant architectural transformation process to adapt to the demands for greater comfort and functionality for patients and healthcare professionals.
This project focuses on the new hospitalization areas, where priority has been given to the inclusion of natural light, controlled lighting systems and specially designed furniture to enhance the experience of all involved. In addition, advances have been introduced such as electronic tablets placed next to each bed, which will not only function as work tools for medical staff, but also as sources of entertainment and education for patients, even offering health advice. Lockers with keypad access have also been installed to ensure the safety and comfort of patients during their stay. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to optimize medical care, but also to enhance well-being and quality of life in the hospital environment.
The hospitalization areas have been designed with wide spaces and corridors, and the nursing checkpoint has been located at strategic points to facilitate communication with patients. A highlight has been the emphasis on the humanization of the spaces, with the collaboration of artist Perico Pastor, a Hospital del Mar user. Pastor has embellished the bathrooms in all the rooms with a dozen of his original works. In his own words:
“Art is to share and to accompany. So, imagine going to a hospital and, when you feel down and enter the bathroom, you find a painting, a work of art!”
Importance of Materials and Design in Hospital Humanization
Careful choice of materials can have a significant impact on the transformation of hospital spaces, adding warmth and comfort. Using natural materials such as wood to clad medical equipment can generate a more welcoming atmosphere, providing patients and families with a sense of familiarity and tranquility in the hospital environment. A prime example of this philosophy is evident in our projects, such as the Lusíadas Porto Hospital, where our AIS headboard adapts to specific needs, always offering the best solution for patients.
The choice of furniture also plays a crucial role in this perception. Selecting the right medical equipment, which not only fulfills its technical function but also significantly enhances the ambiance of the room, contributes to a more human and less institutional atmosphere.
At Tedisel Medical, we are committed to integrating medical devices into the design of hospital equipment with our bed head units. We design and equip equipment with wall covering options, which helps reduce the feeling of being in a hospital environment and creates a more welcoming and less clinical environment.
Our products stand out for their adaptability in terms of lighting. We recognize that indirect light can create a relaxed atmosphere, while focused lighting is essential for medical procedures. For this reason, we at Tedisel strive to offer a wide variety of lighting options, ranging from direct to indirect and night lighting. We introduce our Aura Light model to complement all hospitalization areas, ensuring adequate lighting for every need. In addition, we understand the importance of acoustic comfort, proper ventilation and humidity control to avoid nuisances such as unwanted noise, unpleasant odors and excessive humidity. Consequently, we are committed to ensuring that all our products comply with established regulations and requirements, ensuring an optimal and comfortable hospital environment for patients and medical staff alike.
More private spaces and recovery-enhancing spaces
Designing more private and recovery-focused spaces is an increasingly relevant trend in the hospital setting. Creating environments where patients can feel sheltered from noise and hustle and bustle is crucial to their well-being. Examples such as the therapeutic gardens in the new extension of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre illustrate this evolution towards a more serene and comforting environment. These open spaces and the integration of green areas not only promote physical recovery, but also contribute to humanizing the hospital environment, providing a haven for calm and healing.
“Functionality and optimization in all hospital areas are paramount elements that should not be neglected in the humanization process.”
The rooms must be well designed, with an optimal arrangement of hospital equipment and an appropriate selection of materials to facilitate the work of healthcare personnel. Involving staff in the design from the outset is crucial to ensure an efficient working environment. It is vital to ensure sufficient space around beds for staff and equipment, as well as accessible toilets and adequate space for wheelchair use and assistance. In addition, the integration of new technologies in hospitals can boost efficiency and improve the patient recovery process by implementing humanization projects such as those that many hospitals, such as the Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, are progressively implementing. Mobile applications can promote patient participation and improve direct communication between patients and healthcare staff, thus optimizing workflow and medical care.