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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34 Medical Construction & Design | M A RCH /A PR IL 2017 | MCDM AG.COM BY CHRISTOPH GATERMANN It's no secret: The healthcare industry is undergoing rapid and transformational change. Whether it's policy changes, new models of care or technology advances, the only constant is change and it's happen- ing all around the world. While change is inevitable, it's important to remember that organizations, communities and countries must design for their unique end-users, resulting in vast design diff erences across the globe. What works in Canada might not provide the same solutions to healthcare delivery issues in Europe. This article crosses the waters and discusses health- care design trends in Germany. TREND #1: Mental health In Germany, the number of individuals over the age of 65 is above average, ranking fourth in countries with the largest aging population according to World Atlas. It's predicted that by 2030 more than 22 mil- lion people will fall into this age category, and along with that increase will be a growing number of patients with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, a large number of German health systems are investing in mental health facilities to meet this increasing demand. One example is the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany. The Central Institute of Mental Health has been investing in comprehensive renovation and construction projects since 2013. Constant improvement in treatment approaches, rising numbers of mental health cases, as well as further advances in research increased the demands on the ex- isting treatment building to such a degree that an extension was urgently needed. The new building at the Central Institute of Mental Health will set the standard for mental health facilities in Eastern Europe. The HDR-designed facility inextricably links healthcare and research together, focusing on developing eff ective therapies, while also providing n E ur ur op e e T T hi hi s ar ar ti ti cl cl e E p h u e i r T e li li ve ry i ss ue ue s in in i e e s r u de de d n e On On e ex ex am am pl pl e is t he he C en en tr al I n LENS ON GERMANY Three trends shaping healthcare facility design AROUND THE GLOBE ISSUE FOCUS 21.1% Percentage of population 65 or older — international. commonwealthfund.org #4 Germany ranks fourth in countries with the largest aging population. — World Atlas