Unlocking New Possibilities in Healthcare Design: Reflections from the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo

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.

Addressing Health Equity in Design

The panel discussion featuring Roderic Walton, Tammy Thompson, and David Allison was a powerful reminder of the importance of health equity in healthcare design. Their stories shed light on how health disparities are still very real in our everyday lives and highlighted the importance of patient engagement, active listening, and ensuring that healthcare environments serve diverse communities.

This discussion emphasized that healthcare spaces must be designed with a commitment to social justice and inclusivity, ensuring that every patient feels valued, heard, and cared for. Our work in design should reflect a shared commitment to addressing the needs of all patients and communities, while also supporting the people who deliver care.

Moving Forward: Remembering the "Why"

At the heart of everything we do in healthcare design is remembering the "why." Whether we’re clinicians, designers, business owners, or architects, we share a common goal: to create environments that improve the experiences of patients, caregivers, and staff. By keeping this purpose at the forefront, we ensure that every design decision is made with intention, improving outcomes and enhancing the care experience.

I look forward to continuing to build partnerships with you all as we work together to implement solutions that promote healing, enhance user experiences, and create more efficient, patient-centered healthcare spaces.

NIHD collaborates with clinicians, design professionals and industry partners in the healthcare design process to shape the future of healthcare design.