Blog Contribution by NIHD Board Member Lily Man, RN, MN, LSSBB, Consultant @ Health Design Innovation.
Lily Man, RN, MN, LSSBB at the NIHD hosted Pre-Conference workshop at HCD, Indianapolis, IN.
As a member of the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD), I recently attended the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo, where healthcare professionals, architects, designers, and business leaders gathered to explore the future of healthcare environments. It was encouraging to see many businesses approaching NIHD, eager to engage clinicians and gain insights that can shape more functional, patient-centred spaces.
Clinician Engagement and Interprofessional Collaboration
A key theme throughout the event was the growing recognition of the importance of engaging clinicians in the design process. As those who work closely with patients and experience the realities of healthcare delivery, our insights are critical in shaping environments that enhance efficiency, patient care, and staff well-being.
Clinician involvement has already made a significant impact on healthcare redevelopment projects. Our expertise ensures that spaces foster healing, comfort, safety, and efficiency, while also supporting the needs of caregivers and staff. By integrating clinical perspectives into design discussions, we create environments that are not only functional but deeply responsive to real-world challenges.
One of the highlights of the event was Cassie Holmes' keynote, where she reminded us all to "pause and appreciate the small, meaningful moments."
Cassie Holmes’ Keynote: A Reminder to Pause and Appreciate Everyday Moments
One of the highlights of the event was Cassie Holmes' keynote, where she reminded us all to "pause and appreciate the small, meaningful moments." For those of us working in fast-paced healthcare settings, this was a valuable reminder to consider how we can create environments that provide opportunities for reflection and balance, not just for patients but for caregivers and staff as well.
The panel discussion featuring Roderic Walton, Tammy Thompson, and David Allison was a powerful reminder of the importance of health equity in healthcare design.