Students at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., and physicians from Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health collaborated to design patient-centered rooms for Spectrum's epilepsy monitoring unit, according to a WoodTV report.
The room design concept features chairs that can double as a stretcher, beds with 360-degree access, cushioned flooring and a barrier-free bathroom.
"Not only is this a patient-centric setup, but now we have things like smooth borders, and that will reduce the risk of patient injury," David Burdette, MD, epilepsy section chief with Spectrum Health, told WoodTV.
Phil Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, on Monday got a first look at a mock-up of a redesigned EMU room.
"There's nothing I've seen that brings innovation and all of the technology and the necessary medical treatments that a family needs to have the best care. This is really unique," Mr. Gattone told WoodTV.
In addition to the Epilepsy Foundation, Spectrum is seeking financial investment from several industry partners, including a medical device provider and a furniture manufacturer. If Spectrum secures funding, the health system would build two rooms and subsequently assess the redesign's influence on patient care.
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