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Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2018 | MCDM AG.COM
Healthcare delivery is
constantly changing as
new research, innovative
technology and educational
methodologies challenge how
medicine is practiced. Fresh
thinking, tools and talent
are just part of the equation
for a healthier tomorrow.
The design and operation
of healthcare facilities must
also enhance the human
experience and accommodate
the ever-changing needs of
physicians, staff and patients.
The following are main
drivers for today's outpatient
facilities:
One-stop shops
The Lauritzen Outpatient
Center in Omaha, Nebraska,
opened last year, is a prime
example of a new leader in
patient-centric care. Planned
and designed with the patient
experience as a guiding prin-
ciple, the hospital's patient
amenities are located through-
out the facility. These include
hospitality-style seating, grab-
and-go food service and phone
chargers in waiting areas. But
perhaps the most valuable ame-
nity of this 170,000-square-foot
facility is more subtle: the intui-
tive wayfi nding cues it provides
for patients.
An orthopedic clinic, radi-
ology department, outpatient
pharmacy and rehabilitation
gym are co-located on the
fi rst fl oor, allowing patients to
make multiple appointments
during the course of one
visit. These departments were
previously located on two
separate fl oors. To streamline
the experience and provide
less stress, patients now only
need to check in once at the
traditional reception desk or a
self-service kiosk.
The design also relieves
stress in how it structures
the patient and staff fl ow
and organizes exam rooms.
Patients enter through
PUTTING PATIENTS 1ST
Patient-centered care models drive
outpatient facility design, operation
BY PAUL WHITSON
150
Amount of medical and administrative
personnel consulted for development of the
Lauritzen Outpatient Center — HOK
2½
Years it took to plan the
Lauritzen Outpatient
Center — HOK
Outpatient Care
ISSUE FOCUS