Hospital construction design has taken some interesting turns, as seen in a recent report, “Future Directions in Design for Mental Health Facilities.” For hospitals, many flooring aesthetics can apply to basic healthcare medical construction, as well. Maximize your medical facility flooring to include functionality, safety, and patient healing. Read the full report on mental health facilities design.

Hospital construction design

As healthcare becomes more patient-based, hospitals are focusing more on patient satisfaction. Design elements include lighting, furniture, and décor that put your patients at ease. In more ambulatory surgery centers (ASC’s), design affects safety and a more healing environment. Yet the flooring is either left as-is or barely modified. This is a mistake that can end up costing money later. In hospital construction and design, flooring materials affect your patient’s mobility, mood, and safety. It can also help to improve work flow and prevent confusion. This is especially important for Medicare-compliant hospital administration.

Hospital flooring- breaking it down

Flooring tells your patients where it’s safe to go, and which areas to avoid. Colors and patterns help to separate high-traffic zones from low-traffic private patient areas. Some important features in healthcare facility flooring include:

• Color schemes
• Patterns
• Noise control
• Anti-slip texture
• Visibility
• Infection control
• Comfort
• Low toxicity materials

Choosing the right flooring

The flooring materials you choose should complement your specific healthcare niche. Whether you run an ASC, dentist office, or rehabilitation center, your medical construction contractor can recommend interior design features that will suit your specialty. For carpeting, look for stain resistance. Darker colors work better than lighter hues. Try to create an ambience that will make your patients feel at home. This will reduce stress and improve patient satisfaction. Read ASC Construction Design Features that add Warmth Use flooring design to separate areas meant for patients and hospital staff. Hall runners help older patients find their way around your office more easily. Avoid stark contrasts and bright colors that will disorient patients given to dizziness, confusion, or anxiety. Instead, opt for natural hues that blend easily with hospital furnishings, paint, and artwork. Consider stair treads that glow in the dark- useful for ASC’s and other outpatient centers that are open 24-7. Here are some online catalogs that can help you make the right decision in designing your medical office. Musson Stair Treads Forbo Healthcare Flooring Solutions Wooster Products NITEGLOW Anti-Slip Safety Treads Source: Look down if you want to feel better: flooring aesthetics in healthcare affects patient well-being