A new stroke unit at Royal Melbourne Hospital features biophilic design, which has had an impact on recovery, costs, and staff satisfaction.
According to Hospital and Healthcare, the facility treats strokes with a high-impact rehabilitation process which requires patients to be awake and active at an early hour. Biophilic hospital design in the building allowed for easier facilitation of these needs.
More details from Hospital and Healthcare:
Project Architect Nicholas Simmonds said the bespoke facility uses biophilic design features including abundant natural light, soft curved forms, timber joinery and rug-like floor features, serene blue and warm grey seating upholstery and feature walls, and cosy nooks where staff, patients and visitors can interact and clinicians can observe incidental rehab activities or write up clinical notes.
The effect is a calming, informal interior with elements of home, which naturally supports brain stimulation, physical activity and social connectivity.
Other benefits of biophilic hospital design & wellness tech
The Hospital and Healthcare article cites Professor Mark Parsons, head of the new unit:
“There’s lots of evidence that if you deprive stroke patients of a nice environment they actually recover more slowly. What we call an enriched environment, with lots of stimulation and activity, stimulates the brain to form new connections.
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“If you save one stroke patient from going to a nursing home, you’re saving the community around $200,000 in the first year and $100,000 thereafter.
The article also cites increased satisfaction among staff members. Having spaces which are less-clinical in appearance, more space to walk and meet with patients and their families, access to more natural light, and centralized areas of services have apparently increased morale.
Wellness technology for the workplace is a growing category that more and more technology decision makers are beginning to take seriously. Paying attention to the built environment and what about it is particularly devoid of engagement or natural flourishes can help keep spirits up and motivations just that much higher.
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