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.
How Architects Shape the Future of Healthcare Facilities
UNC Health, Duke Health Form Partnership for Stand-alone Children's Hospital
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Plans to Build New Facility in North Port
CMMS, Data and the Path to Compliance
Healthcare is a Major Ransomware Target