Wednesday, Jun 05, 2013
Dubai: No more dull while walls and cramped design, said experts speaking about hospitals of the future, which will be friendlier and more welcoming.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Hospital Build and Infrastructure Middle East 2013 Congress in Dubai, they said the trend is moving towards holistic healing environments, encompassing design, sustainability and aesthetics.
With the UAE health-care sector looking at robust growth, it is also embracing the trend of holistic hospital settings, said experts.
According to the conference organiser, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, the UAE’s health-care market is estimated to reach $14.6 billion (Dh187.52 billion) by the end of 2014, growing at a compound annual growth rate of around 16 per cent since 2011.
At the congress, experts explained that hospitals of the future will promote healing in positive, harmonious, colourful and holistic settings.
The sustainability factor will look into areas like water conservation, good quality indoor air, resourceful energy and natural light.
Together these factors will maximise patient safety, comfort and improve healing. In concept, they suggested that healing begins to take place the moment a patient arrives at a hospital which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.
On patient-centred care, Dr Sarper Tanli, vice-president, Methodist International, Dubai, UAE and speaker, told Gulf News that the environment of care includes physical surroundings, aesthetics as well as human interactions that promote healing.
He explained that when a patient arrives at a hospital, often stressed and anxious, the hospital setting should alleviate these feelings. “In the next five to 10 years, we will see more of the trend. The approach will be holistic with personalised approach to patient care.”
Dr Tanli added that the holistic approach will also consider cultural Islamic norms. “The layout of the room for privacy as well as the way practitioners communicate with Arab patients will have a big impact on patient experience.”
Jos Stuyfzand, Global Creative Director, Ambient Experience, Philips Design Healthcare, told Gulf News, “In an atmosphere that is psychologically supportive, a patient can experience ‘healing’ in its truest sense.” On ambient settings in hospitals, Stuyfzand said, “We can transform a room into a multi-sensorial experience using dynamic lighting, projection and sound that distracts patients, reducing stress and discomfort.”
By Carolina DSouza?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
