By: Joe Attokaren Bo Seo - Health Systems Institute

By:
Joe Attokaren
Bo Seo
12/15/06

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .....................................................................................................2
Executive Summary .................................................................................................3
Figure 1: Storage Solution .....................................................................................................................3
Figure 2: Patient Room Layouts with Storage Solutions .......................................................................4
Introduction..............................................................................................................5
Methodology .............................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Outline of Methodology .........................................................................................................5
Formulate Problem................................................................................................................... 5
Observations ........................................................................................................................... 5
Interviews................................................................................................................................ 6
Surveys.................................................................................................................................... 7
Develop Solution........................................................................................................................ 7
Literature Review.................................................................................................................... 7
Family Needs ...................................................................................................................... 7
Family Trends ..................................................................................................................... 8
Transportation Cabin Design .............................................................................................. 8
Design Development............................................................................................................... 9
Analyze Data....................................................................................................................... 9
Table 1: Summary of Data.....................................................................................................................9
Chart 1: Satisfied?................................................................................................................................10
Chart 2: Family Activities....................................................................................................................10
Focus on a Key Problem................................................................................................... 11
Table 2: Key Behaviors .......................................................................................................................11
Table 3: Storage Definer......................................................................................................................12
Newer Designs.................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 4: New Family Area Designs....................................................................................................13
Develop Scenarios to Test ................................................................................................ 14
Develop Drawings ................................................................................................................ 14
Design Furniture ............................................................................................................... 14
Figure 5: Storage Solution ...................................................................................................................14
Draw on AutoCAD ........................................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: Patient Room Layouts with Storage Solutions .....................................................................15
Build & Test.......................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 7: Pictures of Final project .......................................................................................................15
Conclusion.............................................................................................................. 16
Feedback .................................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 8: Comments.............................................................................................................................18
Next Steps ................................................................................................................................ 18
Acknowledgements................................................................................................ 19
Attachments........................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9: Survey Template ..................................................................................................................20
Transportation Cabin Design – Literature Review ............................................................. 21
Human Dimensions................................................................................................................. 24
2

Executive Summary
Problem: Reduce Clutter caused by Family Members
Our group focused on the Family Space of the Patient Room. One of the key problems in
this area was the lack of useful storage. Because of this, clutter was inevitable. Clutter opposes
many problems. First, it interferes with clinical functions of health care providers. Second, it
creates an unsatisfied atmosphere among the visitors of the hospital. The goal of our project
was to address the clutter issue by understanding the family needs and behaviors. This was done
through extensive observations and literature studies. Our overall goal was to provide sufficient
storage solutions for family brought items and make maximum use of each square foot.
Solution: Developed key pieces of furniture that provide sufficient amount of storage for family
brought items while making optimal use of each square foot. Our final result was a family space
of 70 sq ft.
Figure 1: Storage Solution
3

Goal: Provide sufficient storage solutions for family brought items and making maximum use of
each square foot.
Figure 2: Patient Room Layouts with Storage Solutions
4

Introduction
The Family Space of patient rooms tends to not fulfill the needs or the expectation of the
family members and our group wanted to address this problem. We formulated a systematic
process to identify the issues and develop solutions to solve them.
Methodology
Figure 3: Outline of Methodology
Formulate Problem
We used observations, interviews, and surveys to help identify the problems/issues with
current Family Space. The observations, interviews, and surveys were done at different hospitals
at different times of the week. The hospitals include Emory, DeKalb Medical Center, and
Hillandale.
Observations
Our observations showed us that family items tend to be dispersed throughout the whole
patient room. Closets and all surface areas were filled to capacity. This made it hard for people
5

to move around within the room which is a potential problem when giving or receiving care.
Nurses would often have to go out their way to treat patients either by moving family objects or
working around it. Family items in a sense were affecting overall quality of care for their loved
one.
Interviews
Most of the interviews showed that many of the family members were not satisfied with the
current Family Space. Unsatisfied family members tend to add stress to both patient and nursing
staff. Willingness to recommend is an important factor for hospitals to retain business and
unsatisfied family members will definitely not recommend hospitals that they were not too
pleased about.
Our interviews also showed that family members would like to have access to a facility guide
which shows them where the bathroom, gift store, vending machines and other sort of local facts
about the facility and the neighboring area. Facility guide would be sort of be like a hotel
information booklet in which it provides information about the facility and the neighboring areas
around it.
Another problem relates to the uncomfortable furniture in the Family Space. It’s hard for
families to be comfortable if their bed isn’t comfortable. Often they wished that furniture was
better and bigger.
Many of the family members preferred a more homelike feel compared to the more
institutional feel.
6

Surveys
After our first round of observations and interviews, a survey was developed based on our
results of the observations and interviews. This survey helped address the key issues in the
family space in a more organized format by finding out what was the room inventory for the
visitor, what type of activities do the visitors partake in while in the patient room and identifies
key items that were brought. A summary of the results from all observations, interviews, and
surveys are located in the Analyze Data section under Design Development. The Survey
Template is shown in the Attachment section.
Develop Solution
Literature Review
Family Needs
When working with the Family Space, we need to understand family needs. We looked for
studies that examined this.
List references
Hummelinck, Alda and Pollock, Kristian. ”Parents’ information needs about the treat of their
chronically ill child: A qualitative study.” Patient Education and Counseling 62 (2006):
228-234.
Takman, Christina and Severinsoon Elisabeth. “A description of healthcare providers’
perceptions of the needs of significant others in intensive care units in Norway and
Sweden.” Intensive and Critical Care Nursing 22 (2006): 228-238.
Belciug, Marian P. “Concerns and anticipated challenges of family caregivers following
participation in the neuropsychological feedback of stroke patients.” International Journal
of Rehabilitation Research 29 (2006): 77-80.
7

Family Trends
When working with the Family Space, we wanted to see how families are changing now and
what they would be like in the future. Family trends will be incorporate in our future design so
that our design will be useful now and in the long run as well. The literature showed a reduction
in family size and increasing likelihood of having both parents working.
List references
http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam/cps2005.html
http://www.pbs.org/livelyhood/workingfamily/familytrends.html
http://familyimpactseminars.org/trends.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14942047/
Transportation Cabin Design
Some of these Family Space issues have already been address in transportation cabin design.
We wanted to find out how and why designs are the way they are for many different types of
transportation: ships, planes, and trains. These transportation cabins address people/family needs
and work with a limited space which relates greatly to family space in patient room of a hospital.
Tight Spaces that work is a phrase that expresses this idea.
List references
Located in the Attachment section.
Other Sites Related Patient Rooms
http://www.onedreamdesign.com/humanspace/tile.shtml
http://www.sccm.org/sccm/publications/critical+connections/archives/april+2005/designapril05.
htm
http://www.wbdg.org/design/hospital.php
http://www.rwjf.org/newsroom/newsreleasesdetail.jsp?id=10298
http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-06-07-hospital-of-future_x.htm
http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/aug2006/id20060815_289604.htm?chan=innova
tion_spr_medical
http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/04_Review_and_Anal_Literature.pdf
8

Design Development
In this stage, we analyzed our data from the observations, interviews, and surveys. The
development of statistics and graphs from the data helped us grasp the problems at hand. Along
with out Literature Review, we were able to focus on a key problem clutter to solve.
Analyze Data
Number of Observations/Surveys 14
Total
Summary of Survey/Observation Data
Average
# of Visitors Now 1.50
Preferred # of Visitors 3.56
# of Overnight Visitors 0.71
Preferred # of Overnight Visitors 1.67
The number of Observations/Surveys represents
14 different rooms not individual family members
because some of the rooms contained more than
one guest at a time.
Room Inventory Average Items Brought % "Yes"
Work Desk 42.9% Bag (ie purse, suitcase) 100.0%
Bed 85.7% Clothes 69.2%
# Seating 2.21 Toiletries 69.2%
Table 100.0% Hairdryer/Flat Iron 11.1%
Closet 92.9% Laptop 33.3%
TV 100.0% DVDs 33.3%
Sink 50.0% Reading Material 60.0%
Board Games or puzzles 10.0%
Visitor Activities % "Yes" Food 54.5%
Sleep 69.2% Drinks 50.0%
Eat 66.7% Pillows 11.1%
Talk to Staff 100.0% Linens 0.0%
Monitor Patient 100.0%
Monitor Care 91.7% Satisfied?
Work 20.0% Yes 33.3%
Read 75.0% No 66.7%
Watch TV 83.3%
Socialize 91.7%
All Information Is Considering Only Visitors
Table 1: Summary of Data
9

Satisfied With Current Family Zone?
Yes, 33%
Yes
No
No, 67%
Chart 1: Satisfied?
Main Family Current Activities
Socialize
Watch TV
Read
Work
Monitor Care
Monitor Patient
Talk to Staff
Eat
Sleep
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
% of Families that do each activity
Chart 2: Family Activities
10

Focus on a Key Problem
This was a big step for our group. Instead of solving all Family Space problems with the
limited time frame, we decided just on focusing on a key problem: clutter. This problem can be
easily solved by adding more space and storage in the family area. However, we felt that this
wasn’t enough. Our data should us key behaviors and essential items for these key behaviors.
This was then analyzed to provide the right storage solution.
How Current Key Behaviors Relate To Items Within The Patient Room
Key
Behaviors
Room Inventory
Surveys/
Observations Work Desk Bed Seating Table Closet TV Sink
Talk to Staff 100.0% N N N N N N N
Monitor
Patient 100.0% N N Y N N N N
Monitor Care 91.7% N N N N N N N
Socialize 91.7% N N Y N N N N
Watch TV 83.3% N N Y N N Y N
Read 75.0% N N Y N N N N
Sleep 69.2% N Y N N N N Y
Eat 66.7% Y N Y Y N N Y
Work 20.0% Y N Y N N N N
Shows what furniture is needed
Table 2: Key Behaviors
11

Essential Items For Key
Behavior
Visibility/
Security
Storage Definer
Vertical
Placement
Quantity
Storage size
Purse A
Cellphone A anywhere
Suitcase, Duffle Bag,
Backpack
INV
L
One backpack and one roll
on suitecase per person
square footage to place
Clothes V Roll on suitcase full closet and drawer for underwear
Toiletries INV M a large shaving bag laptop size drawer
Dirty Clothes INV L Grocery bag drawer
Hairdryer/Flat Iron L one each laptop size drawer
Food, Drink M opened togo box and large drink
Magazine, Books, Newspaper V H 2 or 3 magzine or books shelve for books and magazine
Laptop INV,S,A M laptop size shelve
Dvd Player 5 dvds portable dvd player size
Board Games And Puzzles V H 2 or 3 Shelf
Family Photo V M/H 2 or 3 Photo Frames Shelf
Pillow, Linen V H I blanket, 1 Sheet, 1 Pillow leave on sofa
Column Names
Description
Essential Items For Key Behavior List of Items
Visibility/Security
Should the Item be Visible (V) or Invisible (INV) or Secure (S) or Unsecure (U)
Vertical Placement
What level should the Item be placed (considering access): Low (L), Medium (M), High (H)
Quantity
Description of how much
Storage size
Description of space needed
Key
Accessible A Unsecure U
Visible V Low L
Invisible INV Medium M
Secure S High H
Table 3: Storage Definer
12

While addressing the clutter issue, we also want to make optimal use of family space. This
can be done by maximizing the usefulness of each square foot. We used human dimension
charts (located in the Attachment Section) to help identify specific dimensions for our designs.
Newer Designs
It was important to analyze newer patient room designs and newer furniture as well to make
sure that they didn’t already address the clutter issue. Most of the newer designs did address the
clutter issue and solved it by providing more space and more storage. Even though this solves
the clutter problem, we felt that it didn’t address it appropriately. We believe too much space
was wasted and not utilized efficiently and that money was wasted as well building these designs.
We studied some new patient room designs from Healthcare Design Magazine. For the newer
furniture we looked at the latest at IOA Healthcare Furniture and Stryker Furniture.
Figure 4: New Family Area Designs
13

Develop Scenarios to Test
We wanted to make realistic testing scenarios to make sure our final design works.
Scenario 1:
A wife walks in to see her loved one who became really sick after an infection.
She is a teacher.
Needs to grade papers and write emails while staying close to her husband.
Decides to stay overnight.
Scenario 2:
A sick grandmother is spending her final days in the hospital.
Her only son comes to visit her and he brings his kids (2).
The son needs keep up with work and the kids need to do school work and play
Develop Drawings
Design Furniture
From our storage definer chart, we developed 3 key types of furniture that met all its needs.
Figure 5: Storage Solution
14

Draw on AutoCAD
These drawings were then placed in AutoCAD to find the optimal space for our Family
Space Design. Suggested human dimensions were obtained from a book source see Attachments.
Figure 6: Patient Room Layouts with Storage Solutions
Build & Test
The AutoCAD drawings were then used as blueprints to our final project mockup.
Figure 7: Pictures of Final project
15

Conclusion
Our final design consisted of 3 key pieces of furniture that considered the many key
behaviors of family members and their essential items that they bring. The final optimal square
footage was determined to be 70 sq ft. The test process is really the next step for us to do if we
had more time. The test would either show or not show validity in the optimal square footage of
70 sq ft. This project was quite challenging. One of the hardest things about the project was
focusing on a single key issue. For most of the semester, we tried to fix all the problems and this
wasn’t a good approach because of the complexity of the area and the lack of time we had to
complete the project. Once we were able to focus, the project started coming together and it was
easier to see where we are going. In the end, it was a learning process for both us.
16

Feedback
Evaluation Summary
Patient Room of the Future
Project Title:
Description:
Goal:
Family Space Matters
Reduce Clutter caused by Family
Members
Provide sufficient storage
solutions for family brought
items and making maximum
use of each square foot
Each Score shows how each attribute is addressed by the project. The
scale used is a range between 1-5 with 5 meaning that it completely
addressed the attribute and 1 not addressing the attribute at all.
Total surveys: 11
Average Score
Improves Quality of Care 3.91
Measurable/Combines Design & Research 4.82
Functional 4.82
Adaptable/Customizable 4.64
Represents Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration 4.55
Increases Efficiency for Families 4.82
Would you like to stay here? (Yes) 82%
Surveys were collected on 12/7/06
Table 4: Evaluation Summary
17

Comments:
Lots of places to put belongings away
Very functional + Welcoming for non-patients
Lots of thought to amount and location for
best convenient storage
The different configuration options are a nice touch
Yes, I can sleep, work, and store my stuff
More comfortable than current chairs for sleeping
May be hard to fit in hospital rooms but 70 sq ft is an
impressively efficient use of space.
Could also apply to Nursing Facilities and Visitor
Space
Could a visitor with a mobility limitation get around
this space?
Table might need slight adjustment.
It looks like there is plenty of storage space and
room to move around
Figure 8: Comments
Next Steps
If we had more time we would like to try building the furniture out of better materials like wood
and consider better ergonomics in our furniture design. It would be nice to have an ID student to
help us with the building process. Then we would like to test the area ourselves by each of us
spending at least one day and night in the space and try to do our everyday activities. From our
experience, we’ll modify our end product and then try to bring the people we interviewed and
surveyed and see if our design meets their needs. We’ll ask them:
Does this space work?
What needs to be improved?
Their input will be vital to the final result. More data and literature reviews would also be
helpful.
18

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all the professors/faculty for helping us out throughout the project
development (no particular order): Joyce Bromberg from Steelcase, Craig Zimring, Abir
Mullick, June Connor, Gerri Lamb, David Cowan, Claudia Winegarden, Ellen Yi-Luen Do, and
Paula Peche. This project was quite difficult but in the end we got somewhere!
Providers of Materials: HomeDepot, Sam Flax, IKEA, and Styker.
THANK YOU!!
19

Attachments
Date
Place
Room #
Separated Family Zone? (Yes or No)
# of people present now (not patient/baby)
# of people would like at once
# that spent the night
# of people would like to sleep overnight
Room Inventory (for visitors)
Work Desk
Bed
Seating (ie chairs and couches)
Table
Closet
TV
Sink
Visitor Activities
Sleep
Eat
Talk to Staff
Monitor Patient
Monitor Care given to the patient
Work
Read
Watch TV
Socialize
Pass Time by:
Items Brought
Bag (ie purse, suitcase)
Clothes
Toiletries
Hairdryer/Flat Iron
Laptop
DVDs
Reading Material (magazines, books, newspaper)
Board Games or puzzles
Food
Drinks
Pillows
Linens
Other
Are you satisfied with current family zone? (Yes or No)
What else do you need?
Figure 9: Survey Template
20

Transportation Cabin Design – Literature Review
Putting the passenger first
Robinson, Tim Source: Aerospace International, v 33, n 3, March, 2006, p 26-29
ISSN: 1467-5072
Publisher: Royal Aeronautical Society
Abstract: The key to running a successful airline relies in attracting passengers and in retaining them. The highly
dynamic global market of airlines is occupying the marketing departments of major airlines and the interior design
concept studios. Passengers have become more choosy and expect more out of an airline, and are eager to compare
notes through online blogs, forums and traveler's rating websites. Any aircraft entering service can be expected to
have several configurations of its cabin interior and the challenge is to make these upgrades cost-effective.
Ei controlled terms: Air transportation - Marketing - Online systems - Websites - Cost effectiveness
Classification Code: 431.1 Air Transportation, General - 911.4 Marketing - 722.4 Digital
Computers & Systems - 911.2 Industrial Economics
Database: Compendex
Enhancing air travel experience
Howells, David Source: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, v 76, n 1, 2004, p 57-59
ISSN: 0002-2667 CODEN: AATEEB
Publisher: Emerald
Abstract: The research and development work taking place in QinetiQ to solve various problems of aerospace,
health, transport, telecommunications, human sciences and power generation industries were discussed. The new
concept in aircraft cabin design with the potential to offer a more complete cabin experience to passengers was also
discussed. The development of cabin air control and filteration system to eradicate the inevitable aircraft ordours was
also presented. The future challenges for airlines which is to maintain a balance between the maximizing service
levels while meeting customer expectations and offering lower fares were also addressed. (1 refs.)
Ei controlled terms: Aerospace industry - Research and development management - Aerospace
engineering - Liquid crystal displays - Control systems - Customer satisfaction - Standards - Air quality
Classification Code: 652 Aircraft - 901.3 Engineering Research - 912.2 Management - 658
Aerospace Engineering, General - 722.2 Computer Peripheral Equipment - 731.1 Control
Systems - 902.2 Codes & Standards - 451.2 Air Pollution Control
Database: Compendex
Interiors of cabin airplanes
Anon Source: Aero Digest, v 14, n 3, Mar, 1929, p 72-74
Abstract: Wide range of possibilities for cabin interiors; cabins of Travel Air 6000, Bach Air Transport, Keystone
Patrician, Ford Trimotor, Lockheed Vega, Boeing Boat B-1E, Burnelli Airliner and American Eagle monoplane
described. Apr.: Comfort in flying as shown in equipment of modern airplane cabin is discussed; details of cabins of
Fairchild planes, Hamilton Metalplane, Travel Air 4-place monoplane, and Loening amphibian ambulance plane.
21

Ei controlled terms: Airplane cabins - Design
Database: Compendex
Getting bigger
Mecham, Michael Source: Aviation Week and Space Technology (New York), v 162, n 14, Apr 4,
2005, p 42-43
ISSN: 0005-2175 CODEN: AWSTAV
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
Abstract: The expension by Dubai-based Emirates Airlines by offering in the 777 family the 8,300-naut.-mi. stretch
version of the 787, is discussed. Boeing anticipates that the new version will enter the market between 2010-12,
called the 787-9, nad is planned to seat 259 passengers in a tri-class configuration. The Emirates Chairman, HH
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Moktoum, wants to push the seating closer to 300 in a dual-class for more capacity. The
standard model 787-8 is due to enter the market in the year 2008.
Ei controlled terms: Air transportation - Aircraft - Customer satisfaction - Airframes - Cabins (aircraft) -
Carbon fibers - Fuselages - Light emitting diodes - Flight dynamics
Classification Code: 431.1 Air Transportation, General - 652.1 Aircraft, General - 912
Industrial Engineering and Management - 652.3 Aircraft Instruments & Equipment - 804
Chemical Products Generally - 714.2 Semiconductor Devices & Integrated Circuits
Database: Compendex
Multimedia cabin
Gormley, Mal Source: Business & Commercial Aviation, v 76, n 3, Mar, 1995, p 48-51
ISSN: 0191-4642 CODEN: BCAVEQ
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Inc
Abstract: Cabin amenities are now being upgraded and designed in such a way that passengers can keep
themselves, informed and productive during the course of the flight. Cabins are configured into a true multimedia
environment where one can enjoy listening to music, watching the latest motion picture, working or playing on a
computer or tracking the flights' progress. All these activities are made possible by the integration of cabin
entertainment functions with passenger information systems and computers. Integrated plug and play systems help
facilitate the installation of these multimedia suites.
Ei controlled terms: Cabins (aircraft) - Airport passenger transportation - Automation - Information
technology - Personal computers - Liquid crystal displays - Human computer interaction - Computer hardware -
CD-ROM - Computer workstations - Computer networks
Classification Code: 652.1.1 Commerical Aircraft - 431.2 Passenger Air Transportation - 903
Information Science - 722.4 Digital Computers & Systems - 722.2 Computer Peripheral
Equipment - 723.5 Computer Applications
Database: Compendex
22

Aircraft interior integration
Elliot, Robert E. (Boeing Commercial Airlplane Group) Source: Aerospace Engineering (Warrendale,
Pennsylvania), v 15, n 5, May, 1995, p 31-35
ISSN: 0736-2536 CODEN: AEENEP
Publisher: SAE
Abstract: Careful consideration of materials, processes, and designs for aircraft interiors is critical to designing and
producing airplanes successfully, and for supporting airline customers. The three-pronged approach is especially
applicable for interior components such as sidewalls, ceiling panels, stowage bins, lights, emergency equipment, and
entertainment/communication systems. Each component of this approach must be evaluated as to its effect on the
airline operating environment which includes items such as galley servicing, cabin cleaning, passenger ingress and
egress, cargo and baggage handling, and passenger seating.
Ei controlled terms: Aircraft parts and equipment - Air transportation - Structural panels - Bins -
Thermoplastics - Thermosets - Sandwich structures - Heat transfer - Smoke - Flammability - Accident
prevention - Manufacture - Materials handling
Classification Code: 652.3 Aircraft Instruments & Equipment - 431.1 Air Transportation,
General - 408.2 Structural Members & Shapes - 815.1.1 Organic Polymers - 641.2 Heat
Transfer - 914.1 Accidents & Accident Prevention
Database: Compendex
Cabin focus shifts to convenience, costs
Proctor, Paul Source: Aviation Week and Space Technology (New York), v 141, n 7, Aug 15, 1994,
p 42-43
ISSN: 0005-2175 CODEN: AWSTAV
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Inc
Abstract: Airframers are improving commercial transport cabin interiors to augment passenger comfort, safety and
convenience while lowering weight and maintenance costs. Heavy transport interior designers are concentrating on
flexibility and maintainability. McDonnell Douglas' new MD-90 interior will feature a lot of minor changes that will add
up to overall convenience for the passenger. Design considerations range from an uncluttered, skylighted ceiling to
the flight attendant call buttons.
Ei controlled terms: Cabins (aircraft) - Maintainability - Lighting - Ceilings - Design - Aircraft fabrics -
Noise abatement - Modification
Classification Code: 652.1 Aircraft, General - 913.5 Maintenance - 707.1 Electric Lighting -
819.5 Textile Products & Processing - 751.4 Acoustic Noise
Database: Compendex
23

Human Dimensions
24