The Ideal Hospital Room
Co-designing to alleviate negative emotions in the cancer patient experience
Studio Project
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Extended periods of inactivity and isolation during cancer treatment can lead to emotional reactions of feeling isolated, lonely and bored. Feeling alone and disengaged could have correlations to negative physical states of fatigue and depression, souring the patient experience and impeding chances of recovery. However, emotions such as social isolation, loneliness and boredom are not medically recognised and typically seen as trivial and expected. Adult oncology patients in particular, are less likely to report their feelings of isolation, loneliness and boredom to healthcare workers due to the lack of perceived medical emergency. Many patients turn to social media to voice these feelings instead.
In this co-design workshop, participants consisting of three groups of graduate students were given personas of patients to better understand these emotions of cancer patients and collectively design an ideal hospital room. This was also a pilot workshop to trial methods that could be used in future workshops with stakeholders.
In this co-design workshop, participants consisting of three groups of graduate students were given personas of patients to better understand these emotions of cancer patients and collectively design an ideal hospital room. This was also a pilot workshop to trial methods that could be used in future workshops with stakeholders.
Emotion Mapping
To find out what are general perceptions of the conditions of ‘social isolation’, ‘loneliness’ and ‘boredom’ with no prior definition given, participants were given five minutes to create a mind map. This helped to prime participants to begin thinking more about what these emotional states entail, such as the behaviours patients may exhibit, or other related emotions.
Small Scale Space Planning
Participants were then tasked to design a scaled, physical hospital room environment that would help to improve the patient experience. As participants did not have lived experiences as cancer patients, personas were developed to help them empathise. However, instead of creating a generic persona consisting of facts and behaviours, these personas were adapted from real posts and quotes from actual patients who had shared their experiences on social media (Reddit) or through personal interviews.
Informing the participants that these were the words of real patients made the persona feel more real and could allow them to empathise with the patients more.
Informing the participants that these were the words of real patients made the persona feel more real and could allow them to empathise with the patients more.
Collective Dreaming
Without any constraints in the floorplan or safety, participants were able to go wild and create anything they wanted. Every group stuck to their personas and addressed really specific problems that were written by the patients.
“So the first thing that we decided to do was install a PC, but put his PC inside a box because one of the things when you are going through chemo is you can't access devices because of the external radiation.”
“Since she can't be outside because she's immuno-compromised, we wanted to bring outside to her.”
“So the first thing that we decided to do was install a PC, but put his PC inside a box because one of the things when you are going through chemo is you can't access devices because of the external radiation.”
“Since she can't be outside because she's immuno-compromised, we wanted to bring outside to her.”
Key Insights
Personalisation and Comfort An ideal hospital room should offer personalisation and comfort to the patient. This includes features like customisable decor, such as art on the walls and the ability to display personal photographs. These elements help create a sense of familiarity and belonging, making the room feel more like home rather than a sterile hospital environment.
Entertainment and Engagement Providing entertainment options is crucial in alleviating boredom and enhancing the patient's experience. This can be achieved through the installation of smart TVs, VR stations, and gaming setups. These technologies offer patients a variety of activities to engage in, helping them pass the time and distract from the monotony of hospital life.
Access to Nature and Relaxation Spaces Incorporating access to nature and relaxation spaces is another key aspect of an ideal hospital room. Features like windows with views, courtyards, and patios allow patients to connect with the outside world, promoting mental well-being. These spaces can serve as areas for socialization or quiet reflection, providing a much-needed escape from the clinical setting.
Addressing Emotional Needs The participants designed the hospital rooms with a deep understanding of the emotional needs of the personas. For instance, Andrea's room was tailored to combat social isolation by including interactive elements like a VR station for virtual soccer practice and FaceTime capabilities to stay connected with family. This approach acknowledges her longing for social interaction and physical activity, despite her immune-compromised state.
Facilitating Pain Management and Privacy For Michael, who is undergoing chemotherapy, the design focused on facilitating pain management and privacy. The inclusion of a comfortable, ergonomically approved chair and a curtain for privacy allows him to manage his treatment discreetly while still interacting with friends. This design consideration highlights the importance of balancing medical needs with social engagement, ensuring Michael feels supported and less isolated during his treatment.
Encouraging Creativity and Self-expression The design for Lily emphasized creativity and self-expression, providing her with a pottery wheel to explore new hobbies. This feature not only addresses her boredom but also empowers her to engage in creative activities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose. By considering her interests and emotional state, the design effectively supports her journey through treatment.
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