Universal design is a movement that seeks to create a more accessible and inclusive world. It involves designing spaces, products and services with people of all abilities in mind.
According to the CDC, approximately 61 million people in the United States live with a disability. Furthermore, many of these people do not have access to adequate and quality healthcare and, as a result, have poorer health.
In healthcare facilities, certain principles can be used to increase patient and staff accessibility, reduce the risk of injury to staff and patients, increase patient independence, and decrease the risk of injury resulting from falls or other injuries. accidents.
Here are universal design principles and how they can be implemented in your healthcare facility.
Equitable Use
Equitable use establishes that a good facility or product is useful and usable by people of diverse abilities and backgrounds. It claims to accommodate all users and grant equal access.
Healthcare providers can enforce this rule by providing accessible parking just steps away from their building. And also ensure that your entrances have low thresholds and wide, easy-to-open doors.
Another way to ensure equitable use includes accounting for people in wheelchairs through lower reception stations and counters.
Flexibility in use
This principle translates into having a flexible and adaptable design that suits different preferences, abilities and rhythms.
Not all patients are able to schedule an appointment in person. Being flexible involves providing multiple means for patients to book an appointment – it could be through the doctor's website or a phone number.
Healthcare providers can ensure that their patients feel safe and comfortable when using their facilities and services by using adjustable medical equipment, having chairs and tables of different sizes, and having provisions for large document printouts ( for people with visual impairment).
Simple and intuitive use
It includes making things easy to use and understand for everyone. Healthcare facilities may have to make their interiors colorful for this case.
They may use different colors for different sections of the hospital and employ color coding to alert patients to safety risks. Furthermore, they should make it easier for patients to understand how to get to certain locations.
Perceivable Information
This rule means that facilities must present easily discernible information so that their point of view is effectively communicated to everyone, regardless of their condition or abilities.
They should try to convey information about themselves, their services and commitments, so that even a child understands. Healthcare facilities can use contrasting colors when making signage and symbols that everyone can quickly discover.
They must also ensure that their website has an intuitive interface and contains all the necessary information that patients may need. This includes routes, parking spaces and special facilities for people with disabilities.
Tolerance for errors
A good project minimizes the risks and consequences of accidents and errors. Good design makes it impossible for unauthorized people to enter certain places and use certain facilities.
Healthcare providers must be able to establish clear communication with their patients to understand their special situations. Accidents can also occur, which is why the healthcare team must always be alert and react quickly.
Size and space for approach use
There must be adequate sizes and spaces for users to navigate, regardless of their position, size or mobility.
The waiting area should be spacious enough for people in wheelchairs to wait in line with others without it being chaotic. Hallways should be spacious enough to accommodate furniture and monitors without feeling cramped.
Large bathrooms and changing rooms can be easily used by people who use crutches and wheelchairs. Healthcare facilities need to be intentional and go beyond the minimum requirements of the law to promote inclusion.
It may sound like a description of something out of a book, but many competent design companies can help you achieve this at reasonable costs, especially if it is a new build.
