This installment of the WellStar Paulding Hospital blog is all about Pebble—and I don’t mean rocks!
The process of building a new hospital starts way before the first shovel of dirt is turned. Years and years go into brainstorming, visioning and designing the facility. The typical length of a new hospital project can last anywhere between three and 20 years! Because of the length of time involved, few people are involved for the entire length of the project. Most people also only go through the design and building process once in their life. By the time they are experts at planning and constructing a hospital, they never do it again! All that useful knowledge is never used again.
The Center for Healthcare Design has created the Pebble Project to tap into that hidden knowledge from hospital around the world and share it with hospitals currently in the building process. The project was launched in 2000, and the purpose is to showcase researched examples of healthcare facilities whose design has contributed to improved patient and staff outcomes, as well as operating efficiency. For example, Pebble project research shows that natural light decreases the length of stay for patients. Therefore, new hospitals should maximize the number of windows in patient rooms and public areas. In addition, research also has proven that errors are reduced if all patient rooms are standardized, or look exactly the same. Standardization allows the caregiver to always know where everything is, which eliminates time wasted searching for materials. Another example is research shows that caregivers who work long shifts are at a higher risk of workplace fatigue. To combat this fatigue, Pebble hospitals are including rest rooms for staff that allows them a private place to unwind and refocus.
WellStar Paulding Hospital has been a Pebble Project partner for four years. Our new replacement facility is being designed and built using the above mentioned elements and other design best practices from hospitals worldwide. The most successful design features are being installed to ensure safety and efficiency. Also, natural light and art are being included to enhance the healing environment. To add to Pebble community’s knowledge base, WellStar Paulding Hospital will conduct research studies of its own and report the findings for future hospitals in the Pebble community. It is truly a community based on sharing the best hospital designs in the world. We are very proud to be a Pebble Project partner.
For more information on the Pebble Project, please visit http://www.healthdesign.org/pebble.
