Jun 28, 2019
In the second part of my conversation with Lisa Bonnet, Senior Interior Designer at the prestigious e4h - Environments for Health Architecture, Lisa discusses the advancements in surface products in the hospital space that have contributed to the reduction of Hospital-Acquired Infections.
In older hospitals, countertops around sinks have traditionally been unhygienic areas where bacteria and other icky stuff tend to hang out.
As Lisa shares, research has shown that with the introduction of revolutionary products like seamless, solid surface and antibacterial countertops that can be shaped and curved to meet the aesthetic and code requirements of the hospital and the design team, HAI’s have been significantly reduced.
Lisa wrote an article about this subject in Medical Construction and Design Magazine entitled, How Sterile is Too Sterile? She unpacks that article more here in part 2 of the episode. Read the article here: https://mcdmag.epubxp.com/i/853600-jul-aug-2017/22?m4= To learn more about Lisa Bonnet and e4h architecture visit: http://www.e4harchitecture.com/.
Thank you to our industry partner The Center For Health Design! Learn more about how CHD can support your firm by visiting: http://healthdesign.org.
And to the American Association of Healthcare Interior Designers, thank you for your support of this program. Enhance your professional credibility by earning the Certified Healthcare Interior Design credential. Visit http://aahid.org for more info.
In this episode you will learn:
- Some of the biggest successes are some of the smallest details on a project.
- How e4h studies ALL the nuances of a project, for example, where the patient’s empty suitcase is placed in the hospital room, so it is out of the staff’s way.
- In the 90’s, the industry started using products that had soft, organic textures and wood look products to provide more of a hospitality or residential aesthetic. That is still common today as a result of patient input and competition among hospitals that desire this aesthetic.
- How seamless, solid surface and antibacterial countertops that can be shaped and curved to meet the aesthetic and code requirements of the hospital and the design team have significantly helped reduce Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI’s).
- The evolution of hospitals embracing the patient-centered design is the direct result of input from many stakeholders including patients, infection prevention specialists, the environmental services team
- Why Lisa’s current favorite project is a long term acute rehab facility which includes the design of a new breakfast area near a nurse’s station, and how this solves a very big problem for staff and patients.
- What a critical success factor looks like in e4h projects.
- How evidence-based design has been proven to improve the health of patients and staff, and how this is a fundamental passion of the team at e4h.
- What it’s like to work at a global architecture firm committed exclusively to the design of innovative health facilities.
- How technology continues to play a bigger role in healthcare design.
Featured Product
Porcelanosa’s KRION® Solid Surface Material is made out of two-thirds natural minerals and a low percentage of high-resistance resins. KRION® is available in an array of colors, can be thermocurved or backlit, and is antibacterial – making it a perfect product for the healthcare industry. KRION® is also highly resistant to impacts and external elements (such as fire, chemicals, and frost), and is easy to clean and maintain.
Inspired by the properties of photocatalytic materials, Porcelanosa has evolved their KRION® Solid Surface material called K-LIFE. When K-LIFE comes into contact with light, it will be able to purify the air, expel harmful bacteria, and more. K-LIFE can easily be integrated into many applications – from wall coverings and claddings for ceilings, to custom tables, bars, sinks, shelving units and furniture.
The application of K-LIFE in areas with high daily traffic, such as waiting rooms or reception areas, can assure a gradual decontamination of germs and lead to ongoing ecological benefits. Some research performed with KRION® K-LIFE, which has photocatalytic properties, proved that the material can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. This revolutionary process has led to a patent pending, innovative, and exclusive product that will have a direct effect on our quality of life.
Learn more about KRION® at https://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/what-is-krion/.