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MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2017 | Medical Construction & Design 33 a healthcare facility needs to last for many years of use, with minimal eff ort spent on maintenance. It is best to use Evidence-Based Design, achieving the best solutions regarding infection control and selecting low-maintenance fi n- ishes that protect against scuff s and scratches. It is essential to select col- ors and designs that coordinate across categories and off er choices to fi t any aesthetic, from clean and modern to warm and homey. Today's fl ooring options are resistant to indentations from static loads, heat welded and fl ash coved for aseptic environments and help LEED accreditation us- ing rapidly renewable natural resources. Safety is a key factor in the selection of fl ooring. Therefore, ease of cleaning to prevent growth and transmis- sions of pathogens is essential. Also, consider the slip-re- sistant surface properties of the specifi ed fl ooring as that will help in preventing many injuries. Trips and falls are a leading cause of injury in the workplace. Maintenance It is best to select fl ooring that does not require a wax coating to seal the product. Although the wax application is used often because of its shine, it is slippery when wet and is a safety concern. Many clients require "no wax" fl ooring, but have found that many still wax the no wax fl oors as they equate the shine to cleanliness. Some environments require fl ooring that helps with pro- tection against electrostatic discharges to prevent the pos- sibility of fi res and equipment malfunction. Maintenance of fl ooring is another consideration in selection. Many facilities struggle with capital costs for repair and maintenance and it is important to provide a material that will withstand the day-to-day activities, as well as the harsh cleaning agents used on fl ooring. Some cleaning agents have an adverse eff ect on fl ooring fi nishes; some will harden the fl ooring material causing cracks that will harbor bacteria and become a risk to patients and staff . Installation of the fl ooring material is important; seams not sealed properly or coved sheet product that is not sup- ported at the cove will not be maintainable in the long run, and will cause fl ooring to fail at these critical locations. Consider the cost and time it takes to clean the fl ooring specifi ed. It is diffi cult to have a room shut down for a length of time between patients if a fl ooring material is used that requires a lengthy mainte- nance regimen. Although carpet is used less today in healthcare facilities, it does have 10 times the acousti- cal value as a hard surface. It is best to keep this in mind as the patient satisfaction surveys convey that noise is one of the main complaints during a patient's stay. Perhaps selected areas can use carpet to assist in noise abatement. Aesthetics, sustainability With nature as a healing ele- ment in design, bringing the outside in is highly recom- mended. It has been found that views of nature and daylight reduce the stress of patients and can also reduce the length of stay. Many healthcare fl oor- ing products on the market cel- ebrate the natural elements of stone, wood and color and all can be aesthetically pleasing. Using sustainable products with less VOCs will help keep sick people from getting sicker, have less impact on the health of the staff and the environ- ment and keep the indoor air quality at a healthier level. There are fl ooring materials available that are VOC-free and should be considered for all clean room and operating room suites. Historic changes in the healthcare industry have had a profound impact on facil- ity design and management. Hospitals and other acute care facilities that survive will be the ones that consider human dignity fi rst and all that goes with that, including calming, pleasant environments, cleanli- ness and safety. And regard- less of trends, fl ooring will continue to play a major role in humanizing the healthcare experience. Dawn Fredrick-Seibert is an interior design & space planning director with Petra Integrated Construction Strategies. From Top: Simulated wood sheet vinyl fl ooring with inlayed leaves brings nature indoors at this MRI pavilion in California. > Resilient tile fl ooring, along with carpet, was selected in this urgent care facility. Both popular choices for today's healthcare facilities, tile is made to withstand heavy traffi c and use, while carpet provides good acoustical properties. 30-35% Patients that fall sustain an injury — jointcommission.org 25 After 25 years, epoxy, linoleum sheet, VCT, vinyl sheet and modular carpet tile should be replaced. — Journal of Hospital Administration