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.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather