Pebble Partners from across the country met up in Lexington, Kentucky to attend the Fall 2011 Pebble Project Colloquium. Held September 12-14 at the University of Kentucky, attendees gathered to discuss the latest developments with their projects, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the University of Kentucky facilities, and get to know the newest Pebbles in the group.
The event kicked off with a presentation from Center for Health Design board director Joe Flower, who spoke about the future of healthcare. Highlighting hospitals that succeeded in providing high quality care while reducing costs, Flowers’s talk was inspiring for those in the midst of grappling with similar issues in their own organizations. Following the presentation, attendees were treated to a reception and bourbon tastings from Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, and Heaven Hill. Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell gave an entertaining talk about the history of bourbon and how it is made.
The next day, following talks on evaluating room design based on human factors, the group traveled to the UK HealthCare AB Chandler Hospital to get a look at the new facility and learn how it developed over the course of five years. Participants learned about everything from the IT structure to the artwork (the beautiful Kentucky wall of images are very striking) and grew to appreciate the aesthetics and functionality of the hospital.
"Rarely do we find an in-depth learning event targeted in just one healthcare area. This workshop was a terrific opportunity to integrate theory, research, impact, lessons learned and outcomes focusing specifically on the ED environment," said participant Barbara Huelat. "In addition, the presenters were real problem solvers who responded to and met the challenges of the Emergency department."
“What I am constantly struck with is the level of energy and commitment among our Pebbles to keep the focus on the patients, staff, and families and to provide an environment that results in the best outcomes for them,” says Anjali Joseph, Ph.D., Director of Research for The Center for Health Design. “Clearly the patient was a focus at AB Chandler Hospital and the outcome was visible for all to see.”
The day wrapped up with a networking reception and dinner at the historic Kentucky Horse Park, where attendees met Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Winner Funny Cide, learned about horses of all shapes and kinds, ate a delicious meal, and listened to some good Kentucky bluegrass music.
The last day featured a Research in Practice Workshop on Emergency Department (ED) design, taking a close look at key issues involved in planning a new ED. Working with national experts on ED design, attendees were able to address issues specific to their organization, as well as participate in hand-on workshops, knowledge bar sessions, and listen to informative panel discussions.
“This meeting ended on an energizing and uplifting note,” says Mark Goodman, Vice President, Project Development. “Our Pebble partners, guests, and ED workshop participants learned a great deal from UK HealthCare and are taking home some great ideas to incorporate into their own projects.”
If you have photos from this meeting you'd like to share,
please email Dianne de Guzman at ddeguzman [at] healthdesign [dot] org.