7 Hospital Room Design Trends and Tips that Actually Improve Patient Experience

Safety is the primary consideration when designing hospital rooms.

But because comfortable surroundings can strongly influence a patient’s feelings of well-being and perceptions of "good care," it's also essential to consider aesthetics when planning room that will improve the overall patient experience.

If your hospital is seeking to boost patient satisfaction, here are 7 hospital design trends and tips you might want to consider:

Select Colors to Improve Patient’s Mood and Ease Anxiety

Because colors have been shown to significantly affect an individual's mood, they need to be chosen with care – especially when it comes to hospital room design. Blues, greens, and other "cool" hues tend to be calming and may ease an adult patient’s anxiety, while those that are “warm” – oranges, reds, and yellows, may induce unnecessary stress.

However, when designing children’s hospital rooms, more vibrant colors – including yellows and oranges – can help younger patients feel more relaxed and happier, ultimately reducing their stress and anxiety.

Access to Natural Sources of Light and Views of Nature

Although bright lighting in a healthcare setting allows clinicians to work more efficiently, the artificial lighting schemes typical of most hospital rooms can have a detrimental effect on patients in the long run. At the same time, patients in windowless rooms often report feeling higher stress levels. In some cases, they might even develop Sick Building Syndrome or SBS. 

On the other hand, natural lighting helps regulate the human body’s circadian rhythms and improves emotional health, heart function, body temperatures, and other necessary healing functions. Some studies even suggest that natural light sources help reduce the length of in-patient stays, contribute to greater pain relief, and improve staff morale. Exposure to nature has also been shown to benefit patients, with one study suggesting that those who can view trees from their rooms experience a wide range of benefits, including shorter postoperative hospital stays.

Healthcare providers should consider incorporating large windows and even skylights into their hospital room design plans. Artificial light will continue to be part of every hospital room, but it should only be used when a clinician requires an adequate source of light to conduct exams and procedures.

Reducing the Potential for Hospital-Acquired Infections

Reducing the transmission of infectious viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens is a primary concern at any hospital or care facility. Combating this issue begins in patient rooms.

Placing hand sanitizers and sinks near hospital room entrances increases the likelihood that patients, nurses, and visitors will use them when entering or exiting. Limiting the number of porous surfaces within patient rooms can prevent infectious transmissions by denying pathogens space to grow.

Hospital Room Furniture that Encourages Longer Visits

Strict hospital visiting hours are quickly becoming a feature of the past. In fact, research has shown that longer, more flexible visiting hours can do a lot to reduce patient confusion, anxiety, and irritation.

Recognizing this, many hospital room designers are seeking out comfortable furniture that will encourage friends and family to visit more frequently and stay longer. Adding more comfortable chairs and even a small sofa that converts to a bed for overnight visits can improve satisfaction for both patients and their loved ones.

Effective Soundproofing Solutions

Hospitals and other care facilities are typically hives of actively that bustle with people coming and going at all hours of the day and night. So, it’s not surprising that hospitalized patients often complain about disruptive sounds during the day and noise that prevents them from getting a good night's sleep.

Incorporating acoustic wall panels and sound-absorbing ceiling tiles into hospital room design will help isolate patients from many disruptive outside noises typical in a hospital setting.

Glass Partitions for Infection Control and Privacy

Glass partitions that create separation between spaces and are easily cleaned have become standard hospital equipment in the pandemic era, as healthcare providers seek additional ways to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other dangerous pathogens. Customized frosting on the glass allows hospital and clinic administrators to select the ideal level of privacy for their specific healthcare setting.

A Home-Like Atmosphere

Let's face it, no one enjoys being in the hospital, and that's unlikely ever to change. However, hospital rooms that feature a more home-like design – artwork, natural wood-like floors, comfortable furnishings, and appropriate lighting – can go a long way towards easing a patient’s discomfort and anxiety – especially those facing overnight stays of days or weeks.

Many healthcare designers have begun integrating “residential" looks with the high-level solutions required in hospital settings for ergonomics, health and safety, infection control, stability, and durability.

Versatile Employee Spaces

Creating comfortable spaces is as important for hospital staff as it is for patients. For example, many healthcare providers now include communal and lounge areas that can be changed to accommodate the various needs of their staff — like telehealth appointments.

Because most hospital nurses and other staff typically lack their own office, some facilities have also begun to explore rooms or spaces that can double as workstations or places where employees can have private meetings.

First Products: Improving Patient Care and Satisfaction

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