Downloads:
Written by The Center for Health Design for the California HealthCare Foundation. Cultural issues that may affect patients' healthcare interactions include models of health and disease; perception of hospitals, doctors, and other healers; hierarchical vs. egalitarian cultures; family and social relationships; and communication norms. These factors influence patients' health-seeking behavior as well as their relationships with providers and clinics.
This paper suggests several design strategies to support culturally sensitive care, including the need for patient and family engagement throughout the planning and design process. Other recommendations include locating the clinic within the community, devising a wayfinding system to enable easy navigation, and designing the waiting areas and exam rooms to support the presence and involvement of families.
Phases and activities related to this resource include:
Pre-Design
- Space function/flow analysis
Design
- Continue conceptual diagramming
- Design development
- Furniture, fixtures, equipment (FFE) and technology planning