There is nothing more inspiring than working with children. As an adult, I like to think that I am still learning and growing, but to see children of all ages learn and grow is something that I have come to enjoy as a part of my daily life. I share with you a truly inspiring project featured in the March issue of Interiors & Sources magazine. While working on this project which created a place where children can feel safe while receiving care, I was amazed and touched by the all the new friends and family that I have made through the process.

Have you ever experienced what a child goes through on their way to surgery?

Are you a parent who has gone through the surgical experience with your child?

Are you a staff member of a hospital who works with children who are on their way to surgery?

Are there ways the built environment can reduce anxiety in patients, family members and staff?

What effects can Child Life have on easing a child’s fear and anxiety and encouraging understanding?

What are the impacts Evidence Based Design has on the design profession?

Wow you might say…a lot of questions for one posting…but a topic that deserves our attention should ask many questions…

Please join us Tuesday, November 3^rd at 2:00pm in Orlando Florida at Healthcare Design Conference 2009 and see what we are working on in the area of research to discover how to better serve the needs of all that are experiencing the pediatric surgical environment in a hospital.

Decentralized Nursing ModelHybrid Nursing ModelHow does a building layout better support caregiver collaboration?  Not so long ago, there was a trend to decentralize  nursing units to place the caregiver closer to the patient. I can recall even a few years ago it was thought that the nurse station would become a relic of the past.  While not too many did away with the nurse station, they did take aim at providing a decentralized layout where several smaller nurse stations were in place.  While decentralization of the nurse work areas  had many benefits (such as spending more time with the patient for one) there has also been some debate on the impact it has had on care collaboration.  Those lesser experienced were missing out on the invaluable knowledge of casual interaction in the workplace. What to do? The latest thinking now suggests that having both nursing alcoves and a larger centralized hub will result in the best of both worlds.  Given the level of mutlidiscliplinary care that goes on within most nursing units, it has become neccessary to provide a larger shared work environment (ideally adjacent to the nurse station but behind closed doors or glass.) Allowing these private areas for staff also decreases noise the patient may overhearand protects patient privacy.  TAYLOR has most recently partnered with St. Joseph Health System and St. Jude Medical Center to provide such a care environment. This project will be featured as part of the Healthcare Design 09 in Orlando, Florida in November.  Please plan to attend the session titled  “Improving Care Delivery through Care Collaboration and Healing Environments.”  We look forward to seeing you there!