by Shane Henson — November 19, 2012—Although the healthcare environment has changed, becoming more complex and demanding, the furniture used by staff and patients alike in common areas has tended to be slower to catch up. Furniture manufacturer Nurture by Steelcase is launching a new line, aptly called Regard, to bring a more modern look to healthcare environments while supporting times of transition and enabling people to participate in their healthcare journey in a more meaningful manner.
“What makes Regard experiences stand out is the ability to meet complex needs while keeping spaces well-ordered, intuitive, and calm for the user,” said Alan Rheault, Nurture’s director of industrial design.
Created to empower users with choice, Regard encourages the following:
- Privacy: Private telehealth options allow patients to consult face-to-face with specialists at another location.
- Intimacy with friends and family: Patients design their own journey and have the ability to create their own experience—privately with loved ones for support, with care providers to receive important medical information, or alone for a reprieve. In more open areas, friends and family often include children, seniors, people with disabilities and bariatric patients.
- Education: Casegoods serve as ideal solutions for self-learning and group learning when equipped with TVs and educational videos or iPads.
- Technology: Intuitive plug-in spots enable time-crunched patients or partners in care to be productive and catch up on work projects with their electronic devices, interact with loved ones, and optimize personal space.
- Positive distraction:Casegoods provide spaces for TVs or gaming systems that offer positive distraction and relaxation.
The appropriate aesthetic also represents the professionalism of the provider, says Nurture.
“We acknowledged the trend of an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions among hospitals and health facilities,” added Rheault. “Regard’s refined look and flexible features lend seamless continuity, which provides a desired brand look and feel that’s consistent across different locations.”
