Improving the patient experience through design.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience Research
• Health Facility Design

Background:

• Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) faced challenges with overcapacity and outdated chemotherapy daycare and transfusion facilities.
• A significant gift enabled PMH to pursue a vision of a world-class, patient-centric space.
• A University of Toronto research team, funded by a corporate donor, was examining patient-centric healthcare models in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collaborate with hospital staff, physicians, patients, and families to redesign healthcare facilities.
• To explore and implement a more patient-centered approach to care delivery.
• To enhance both the functional and aesthetic aspects of healthcare spaces.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative approach involving hospital stakeholders, including patients and families.
• Integration of research findings on patient-centric models into facility redesign.
• Focus on improving patient experience alongside facility upgrades.

Main Results:

• Initiation of a major redesign project for chemotherapy daycare and transfusion facilities at PMH.
• Exploration of innovative, patient-centered care strategies through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Development of a blueprint for a world-class, patient-centric healthcare environment.

Conclusions:

• Redesigning healthcare facilities with a patient-centric focus can significantly improve patient experience.
• Collaboration between healthcare institutions and research bodies can drive innovation in patient care.
• The initiative at PMH serves as a model for enhancing healthcare delivery through facility and experiential improvements.