Materials Selection in Healthcare Design

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF UNSOLICITED COMMENTS

When asked for additional comments, here's how designers responded:

1. Healthcare materials in general could be improved and selections increased.

• Designers want more selection of prints in borders and more patterns in woven Crypton.
• "Thanks. I really want to see healthcare finishes move forward and feel they have a long way to go. I don't understand why these manufacturers don't give us what we need. Healthcare materials have a long way to go! Although I am encouraged by the woven Cryptons I see, I've begged all my reps to come up with more…"
• "As a healthcare interior designer, I appreciate the efforts to bring more sophistication to products. However, we need to keep in mind that the same designs and colors that are effective in contract environments do not work in healthcare, both in perception and psychological impact."
• "Incontinence and dementia are the two most important elements that influence the products and designs used in (the) physical environment for (the) elderly. The industry is moving forward with aesthetically pleasing products for incontinence. Products that help with way finding are needed."
• "Manufacturers (should) work within their collections to unite color schemes. It would be wonderful if they could coordinate and unite schemes with other manufacturers and products."

2. Although initial cost was one of the product characteristics listed, budgets were not included in the survey. However, depending upon the project, there can be a wide range in budgets. For example, a private pay assisted living facility would have a larger interior finishes budget than a public housing facility for seniors, and a specialty hospital that focuses on plastic surgery would have a larger interior finishes budget than an acute care facility serving a large rural or urban population.

• "Cost is a major limitation, but as always aesthetics and durability are main factors in all selections."
• Client "preferred" vendors are often selected due to budgets or relationships; however, designers want products that help them "push the envelope" and provide creative solutions.

3. Flooring products that can be heat welded and are self coving - such as sheet vinyl and linoleum - are preferred over ceramic tile where infection control is an issue.

4. "All of your questions regarding mobility focused on wheelchair users. I have found that people using walkers and who can walk alone but may not be able to lift up their feet far from the floor have more floor issues to be dealt with."

5. Facility/building standards are being set up to improve ease of maintenance by limiting the number of types of products used within a facility.

• "Recently, the focus for most of my projects regarding finish selection has been on maintenance issues. Hospitals have drastically cut their staff for maintenance, and this is a huge factor on their operating budgets."