Kathy Sanniti, MBA, RN,
Director, Ambulatory Care Services, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital
Going to the hospital can be a frightening experience, especially for children — unless that hospital happens to be University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Recent renovations to the lower level, main lobby and an outdoor atrium have transformed the nationally ranked pediatric hospital into a fantasy world of larger-than-life flowers, trees, butterflies and other nature-inspired elements.
“We wanted to create a comfortable, kid-friendly environment that would ease the anxieties of our young patients and their loved ones,” says Kathy Sanniti, MBA, RN, Director of Ambulatory Care Services at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital.
Research has shown that the environment of care has a direct impact on patients, families and caregivers, alike. In fact, numerous studies have concluded that a patient-centered healing environment may serve as a critical link to improved outcomes, reduced recovery times, greater patient and family satisfaction and more effective care delivery.
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital used this evidence-based approach in the design of its Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Opened in 2009, the new NICU is ranked 4th in the nation by U.S.News & World Report.
“Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience to patients and families throughout the child’s care,” Sanniti says. “These recent renovations are helping us continue to do just that.”
Check out more photos.
The Science of Design
Evidence-based design looks at the direct link between patient health and quality of care and the way a hospital is designed. The results include proven architectural methods for improving patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction, as well as staff retention and service efficiency.
Specifically, evidence-based design is driven by the following principles:
- Enhance patient safety by selecting materials that reduce infection, risk, injuries from falls, and medical errors.
- Eliminate environmental stressors, such as noise, that negatively affect outcomes and staff performance.
- Reduce stress and promote healing by designing hospitals to be more pleasant, comfortable, and supportive for patients and staff, alike.