Medical Construction & Design

SEP-OCT 2015

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

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46 Medical Construction & Design | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2015 | MCDM AG.COM adjacent to the hospital means that physicians can see both outpatients and inpatients without losing time traveling between clinics and nursing units. In the same way, locating specialists together increases care coordination, ef ciency and patient satisfaction. Patient-focused care It's estimated that, on average, patient costs of those with uncoordinated care were 75 percent higher than matched patients whose care was coordinated and that enhanced care coordination could reduce costs by 35 percent. At the PCAC, the initial programming of the design centered on creating spaces where the patient could be seen by multiple specialists. This might include plastic surgeons and dermatologists working alongside oncologists, or specialty hand therapists and sports medicine physicians developing a recovery plan with orthopedic surgeons. Allowing patients to see multiple specialists in one visit increases coordination between caregivers and promotes better outcomes. Also, studies have shown that incorporating nature- inspired spaces into healthcare design increases patient recovery rates, decreases pain medication needed Use of natural light and views were a very important aspect of the design for the pre and post op rooms and nurse stations. Exterior windows allow for natural light to fi lter into the patient spaces and nurse stations. The collection of artwork, soothing colors and decorative etched glass doors at patient spaces enhance this area and create a less clinical and stressful experi- ence for everyone. and improves emotional well-being. At the PCAC, the views of nearby Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park and rooftop gardens plus the interior bamboo grove help create an environment of serenity and healing. This extends to the gently modulating interior design that takes its cues from a functional need to respond to the Zen-like cancer center and warm women's imaging center to the active and energetic rehabilitation gym. The PCAC also refl ects the caring nature of the institution on the outside by being a good neighbor to its community. Great care was taken to preserve views from adjacent high rises and to provide green spaces. The design and construction phases included many meetings with neighbors and the local alderman to make sure the needs of the community were addressed. To suit the image of Presence Health, a Catholic healthcare organization, a conservative and restrained approach was taken to develop the architecture of the building's exterior. The limestone panels and articulated ends of the existing hospital were reinterpreted in precast concrete and glazed curtainwalls, projecting the new building as an extension of the hospital campus into the city.

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