Healthcare Design - December 2014 - 42

REMODEL/RENOVATION

Let light in
From ambient lighting controls to natural daylight, the transformation of the adult
infusion center at Broward Health Medical Center brightened the cancer care
experience in this Best in Category-winning project
By Jennifer Kovacs Silvis
CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGO recurring treatments,

sometimes for weeks or even months. So providing
them with a space where they could be comfortable, socialize with one another, and have access
to nature was a priority in the renovation of Broward
Health Medical Center's adult infusion center in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla.
The efforts paid off in more ways than one,
with the 5,600-square-foot project submitted by
Perkins+Will winning the ambulatory care environment Best in Category award in the 2014 Healthcare
Design Remodel/Renovation Competition.
The project began with recognition that the
patient experience in the existing space could use
some work, particularly to improve operational inefficiencies that caused both throughput and patient
satisfaction to suffer. To start, the design team collaborated with staff and patient advocates to identify
an orientation that improved sightlines for caregivers
and introduced such concepts as an express clinic
to perform triage and provide lab services on-site.
But beyond logistics, the design placed a keen
focus on experience. "Giving a sense of control
back to the patients was another very important part
of the new strategy, so individual lighting controls,
TV, personal charging stations, built-in family seating, and choices for privacy versus social interaction were provided," says Mark Lutz, healthcare
discipline leader for Perkins+Will (Miami).

images of greenery at each [infusion] station to further
enhance the positive healing effects associated with
proximity to nature. The result was a cheerful, relaxing
environment that feels more therapeutic than clinical,"
says Lilia Gonzalez, senior associate and technology
director at Perkins+Will (Coral Gables, Fla.).
"Significant difference in appearance between before/
after," another juror lauded. "Seems to
be very sensitive to the needs of the
patient."
For Gonzalez, what was most
successful was the ability of the
design to conceal clinical elements to create a more soothing environment.
"Designing spaces to be clean and uncluttered,
while still making everything readily accessible to the
nursing staff, reduces the stress and anxiety associated with infusion and promotes a more positive
patient experience," she says.
For more on the project, see page 44. HCD

The renovated infusion center
includes 20 infusion chairs in a
spa-like environment with views
to the outdoors. Large-scale
illuminated photo images of
greenery at each station provide
further access to nature.

Of particular note to jurors were the lighting
options, allowing patients to personalize their surroundings and, again, have an increased sense of
control over their environment. "Customizing ambient temperature and visual appeal of space creates
a spa-like environment," one juror noted.
However, nature and natural daylight define the
center's look and feel. "The design of the space was
intended to maximize views to the outdoor healing
garden. We also wanted to bring each patient closer
to nature through oversized, illuminated photo
42

HCDmagazine.com 12.14

Jennifer Kovacs Silvis is executive editor of
Healthcare Design. She can be reached at jsilvis@
vendomegrp.com.

MARK SURLOFF PHOTOGRAPHY

Operational inefficiencies had caused
both throughput and patient satisfaction
to suffer before the renovation.

http://www.HCDmagazine.com

Healthcare Design - December 2014

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