By Healthcare Facilities Today

According to interior designer Patricia Malick in her blog on the Healthcare Construction + Operations magazine website, furniture in a healthcare setting also needs to be familiar, flexible and functional

Patient room chairs may be used for rehab or used overnight by a loved one. The low tables in a waiting room might be used for a coffee break while waiting for a parent in surgery or for a child to do his homework while waiting for his annual physical, Malick wrote.

"When Array Architects sat down with the user groups of the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility to determine the furnishings of each space at the new 302-bed long-term care and skilled nursing facility, there were many features to consider. Varied patient acuity and mobility levels needed to be taken into account. Public spaces with many planned uses had to accommodate community members, patients, visitors and staff. Budget and durability for this public hospital were also key factors," she wrote.

Safety was paramount when considering patient and resident needs. Mobility limitations were accommodated and ergonomic features ensure comfort and reduce fall risk. Variety and flexibility were key factors in the communal living room and dining spaces.

"A thoughtful and studied approach to comfort, safety, durability, flexibility and context ensure that caregivers, patients and residents have a beautiful and equitable environment that delights the senses every day."

Read the blog.