Evidence-Based Design Impacts Patient Bathroom Construction: Part II of II Infection Control vs. Aesthetics

As more studies are published, evidence-based design (EBD) has become standard practice for hospital builders and designers. It‘s now accepted that hospital room design can impact a patient’s recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year. These infections add an estimated $5 billion to the nation's annual healthcare bill.¹

There are a number of ways design can aid in the prevention of HAI’s. The hospital room bathroom, a critical area when it comes to infection control, is a perfect example. Hospital bathroom surfaces must be durable and easy to clean and maintain. Features such as doorframes, casework, and finish transitions must be carefully detailed to avoid hard to clean crevices and joints. ²

The challenge faced by hospital designers and builders is how to optimize infection control while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment for the patient. Patients and families want a hospital room that looks like their bedroom at home or a nice hotel. There is also evidence suggesting that patients can recover faster in this kind of “healing environment.”³

New anti-microbial products are quickly becoming standard within hospital design. One such product is tile that has anti-microbial properties. This is possible through the use of nanotechnology that allows titanium dioxide to be applied to the tile surface. The titanium dioxide works as a photo catalyst to kill bacteria and fungus – a perfect application for today’s hospital bathrooms.

Solid surface material is also a good choice for hospitals because it is easy to clean and does not promote the growth of bacteria. There are new manufacturing technologies and equipment that allow the solid surface counter tops to be made in various shapes without seams that can present cleaning challenges. Many manufacturers of tile and solid surface counters offer products that have the look and feel of stone or wood, allowing designers to create a better healing environment.

At Eggrock we can incorporate these elements into custom designed bathroom pods that exceed the high standards required of hospital bathrooms. Factory built units have the advantage of seamless construction, free of crevices where dirt and bacteria can collect. The result is a bathroom with natural finishes that offers a soothing environment while maintaining a high standard of quality and durability. Proof that form and function can coexist.

11. Ron Connovich, “Designing for Infection Prevention”, Healthcare Design, November, 1, 2009

2. Robert F. Carr, Whole Building Design Guide. 
NIKA Technologies, Inc. for VA Office of Construction & Facility Management (CFM)
Revised by the WBDG

3. Steve Gressel and Kelly Hilands, “New Hospital Designs Focus On Reducing Cost, Improving Health And Flexibility”, Building Operating Management, September 2008