Healthcare systems often face a critical challenge—design decisions that overlook the real-world needs of clinicians and patients. Too frequently, hospitals invest in major renovations or new facilities without involving the people who will use these spaces daily. The result? Inefficient workflows, increased stress for staff, and compromised patient care.
Kris Baird sat down with us to discuss how healthcare leaders can bridge this gap by focusing on human-centered design. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership and patient engagement, Kris shared practical strategies to create spaces that support staff and improve patient outcomes.
Rethinking Design to Serve People First
One of the key issues Kris highlighted is the need to involve frontline staff early in the design process. "You've got to start your integration early. Who are you inviting to the table? It's crucial that from the very beginning and throughout, you've got to involve operations," she emphasized. Too often, decisions are made without consulting the people who truly understand the daily demands of patient care.
Kris shared an example from a project that used spaghetti maps to track nurses’ movements during their shifts. The data revealed that nurses walked an average of 8,000 steps per shift—many of them unnecessary due to poor space planning. "By studying how the space is used, we can reduce those steps and make nurses' jobs easier," Kris explained.
"You've got to start your integration early. Who are you inviting to the table? It's crucial that from the very beginning and throughout, you've got to involve operations."
Integrating Digital Tools Thoughtfully
Thoughtful design isn't just about physical spaces. Kris stressed the importance of integrating digital tools into healthcare environments to streamline workflows and improve patient education. Reflecting on her personal experience as a patient, she recounted receiving 25 pages of incomprehensible discharge instructions, forcing her to turn to YouTube for answers. "In today's digital world, I find it inexcusable. We have the technology to ensure patients get the right education at the right time—it just requires better planning and stakeholder involvement," she noted.
She also highlighted how digital tools can ease staff workloads. For example, using bedside screens to review medication instructions or integrating patient education into electronic health records ensures that critical information follows the patient home, reducing confusion and improving care continuity.
Building a Culture of Co-Creation
Kris emphasized that successful healthcare design requires a shift in organizational culture. Too often, departments work in silos, hindering collaboration. She stressed the importance of involving a diverse group of stakeholders—including clinicians, patients, housekeepers, and supply chain staff—early in the design process. "Are you talking to the patients? Are you doing journey mapping? Are you including housekeepers and supply chain staff in the conversation?" Kris asked.
"Are you talking to the patients? Are you doing journey mapping? Are you including housekeepers and supply chain staff in the conversation?"
This inclusive approach fosters co-creation, leading to designs that serve everyone better. It also helps address common challenges, such as staff resistance to new tools and workflows. Kris highlighted the importance of answering the question, "What's in it for me?" when introducing changes. "If integrating technology means a nurse can find equipment faster or track a patient's location more easily, that's a win. But staff need to understand these benefits upfront," she said.
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Leaders
For healthcare leaders looking to improve design and workflows, Kris’s insights offer clear guidance:
Involve Frontline Staff Early – Engage those who use the spaces and tools daily to ensure practical, efficient designs.
Integrate Technology Seamlessly – Use digital tools to reduce staff workload and improve patient education, ensuring systems work together.
Foster a Culture of Collaboration – Break down silos and encourage diverse stakeholder participation to co-create better solutions.
Prioritize Human-Centered Design – Focus on designs that make life easier for staff and enhance patient outcomes.
Communicate the Benefits – Help staff see the value of new processes and tools by clearly explaining "what’s in it for me."
By embracing these principles, healthcare leaders can create environments that support both staff and patients, leading to better outcomes and more efficient care.
At Beyond the Blueprint, we believe that good design isn’t just about aesthetics or functionality—it’s about creating systems that are mission-focused, flexible, and responsive to both patient and staff needs. Baker’s smart sock technology is a prime example of this principle in action, showing how design can make a tangible difference in healthcare environments.
Коментарі