The Center for Health Design announced longtime educational and event partner, Steelcase Health, is now the full sponsor of the Communication Toolbox. The partnership allows free access to the web-based toolbox dedicated specifically to the topic of communication in healthcare facilities.  

This is the second toolbox that will be free and open to all professionals and non-professionals alike. Typically, a selected portion of toolboxes is free and open to the public, while Affiliate+ members have access to the complete toolbox.

People treated in facilities where the setting is conducive to strong communication tend to give higher scores in patient satisfaction surveys. By focusing on the communication that occurs between providers and patients in a healthcare space, design can be used to facilitate and enhance meaningful interaction.  

Key components for the Communication Toolbox include: a comprehensive issue brief, an executive summary, design strategies, case studies, expert interviews, lessons learned, a communication design tool, and a webinar. 

“We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Steelcase Health as the EDAC educational partner as well as partner for many of our events over the years. As the Communication Toolbox sponsor, Steelcase Health is providing free access to some of our most sought after resources including a tool that provides ideas to improve provider/patient communication,” said Debra Levin, EDAC, President and CEO, The Center for Health Design.  “Steelcase Health’s support allows our community to greatly benefit from the insights, research and tools this toolbox provides.  We thank Steelcase Health for their support and passion to advance knowledge specific to communication into healthcare spaces, facilitating and enhancing meaningful interaction through design.” 

"In solving for connections in the care delivery process we see tremendous value in The Center's Communication Toolbox," stated Robert Heitmeier, General Manager at Steelcase Health.  "Open access can foster understanding and awareness in selecting  relevant research, tools and applications. We are committed to supporting clinicians and families in healthcare environments that foster better communication where ultimately care delivery can improve positive outcomes for patients."  

Steelcase Health has been a dedicated partner with The Center since 2005, supporting research programs, sponsoring events, including regional Health Design Insights networking events, and contributing to its mission by advocating for evidence-based design practices. 

To access the full Communication Toolbox, click here.