To support a heavier patient population, hospitals are making structural changes and buying new equipment to accommodate bariatric patients and their family members, according to an article on the Becker's Hospital Review website.
"Every facility has to address [obesity] now because it's so incredibly common," said Joan Suchomel, AIA, president of the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health.
Health systems are now considering a patient's entire experience at the hospital.
Every doorway and hallway along a patient's path throughout the hospital must be wide enough to accommodate the patient.
Design Plays a Role in the Future of Healthcare
Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health Officially Opens
Designing Healthcare Facilities for Pediatric and Geriatric Populations
Kaiser Permanente Announces New Hospital Tower at Sunnyside Medical Center
Building Disaster Resilience Through Collaboration