I recently had the pleasure of attending the annual Healthcare Design Expo and Conference. KI has made it a tradition to not only exhibit at this premier healthcare event but to also spend a large amount of time listening to healthcare professionals discuss emerging trends, issues and best practices.
From the products featured to the speaker’s topics of discussion, one theme was clear - there is a monumental shift underway to address the patient experience in healthcare. This not only applies to the provider/patient relationship but also to a patient’s expectations for the healthcare spaces where they receive care.
Recent change to healthcare regulations is driving the market to a more consumer-based model of care. There are any number of factors that affect a patient’s experience. Quality of care and clinical outcomes are paramount but attributes like noise levels, Wi-Fi connectivity and aesthetics all play a role. Patients are consumers at heart. Retail experiences and trends in residential design and construction are trickling into patients’ perceptions of what constitutes a stellar healthcare environment and experience.