Blog
Wayfinding often hampered by med speak
Healthcare Design magazine blog examines how word choice, acronyms can confuse hospital visitors
A blog by Healthcare Design magazine Editor-in-Chief Kristin Zeit recently discussed designer Kate Keating's wayfinding research. Keating's two-year study presented patients, visitors and other potential users with terminology currently used at a hospital in signage and other communications, and tested how well the terms were understood. According to the blog, only four out of 23 acronyms tested were correctly identified half the time or better. One hundred percent of those tested said they prefer layman’s terminology on signage over technical medical names.
Read the blog.
April 9, 2014
Topic Area:
Interior Design
Recent Posts
Healthcare facility designers do not practice medicine, but their work is still a meaningful way to help those who provide patient care.
Families want their loved one to be in a safe facility, leading designers to prioritize more safety features.
It presently has no evidence that any such information has been used to commit identity theft or fraud.
Actionable strategies for healthcare systems and medical groups navigating today’s constrained real estate market.
More than 700 rural hospitals nationwide face the risk of closure. A new report highlights solutions that could improve long-term sustainability.