University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

the story

The new and expanded Pediatric Specialty Clinic “connects” in a seamless transition to the second level of the new University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The design of the space carefully considers the critical adjacencies between the outpatient pediatric components and the new Children’s Hospital. Similar finishes are being utilized to represent the clinic and conference center as an extension of the Children’s Hospital. The area contains all of the pediatric outpatient specialty programs including GI, Surgery, Pulmonary Dermatology, Cardiology, ECHO, Rheumatology, and more.

at-a-glance

TYPE:

Remodel and Renovation

SERVICES:

Architecture

Interior Design

Programming & Planning

LOCATION:

Iowa City, Iowa

STATUS:

Completed in 2019

SIZE:

54,555 SF

Location of the Pediatric Specialty Clinic was critical to fulfilling a cohesive centralized care delivery system for patients and their families. Proximity to the new Stead Family Children’s Hospital maximizes the integration of an existing and welcoming environment with a new design grounded in the indigenous heritage of Iowa.

The design team drew inspiration from Iowa’s cultural heritage, bringing a heightened sense of place to the clinic. Intriguing patterns and textures inspired by the local environment foster a connection to the larger community.

Pediatric patients engaged while waiting in a central playroom through interactive, child-height graphic elements, monitors, and white boards with landscape scenes.

The LEAN process was implemented to increase efficiencies, reduce waste, allow for flexibility, and enhance the staff and patient experience. Patients, families, staff and the design team collaborated exhaustively, modeling operational efficiencies, mapping workflows, and utilizing full-scale mockups of entire clinic modules to push boundaries and stimulate innovation.

More than 10, day-long, full-group meetings were held in mock-up spaces to work and re-work ideas, resulting in best-possible solutions. Details of the exam room were closely evaluated, from the specific door location and impact of walking into the room with a stroller, to the best location for and functionality of the interactive computer workstation.

<p>The check-in area gives patients and families privacy with vertical glass dividers. Minimal waiting room seating is provided, aligning with the clinic’s operational model to quickly bring patients to exam rooms.</p>

The check-in area gives patients and families privacy with vertical glass dividers. Minimal waiting room seating is provided, aligning with the clinic’s operational model to quickly bring patients to exam rooms.

<p>Patients and families are directed to one of four easily identifiable pods, designated with a letter and color. Separation of patient and staff circulation facilitates a calm, soothing atmosphere and efficient work flows for the care team.</p>

Patients and families are directed to one of four easily identifiable pods, designated with a letter and color. Separation of patient and staff circulation facilitates a calm, soothing atmosphere and efficient work flows for the care team.

<p>A playroom encourages lively activities in a defined space, while providing clear visibility from the waiting area through glass coated with environmental graphics.</p>

A playroom encourages lively activities in a defined space, while providing clear visibility from the waiting area through glass coated with environmental graphics.

<p>To reduce stress and travel for patients and families, multiple services are provided within the exam room, including weight and height checks, blood work, ancillary services, and scheduling. This new patient experience is a result of the LEAN process in early design and operational analysis.</p>

To reduce stress and travel for patients and families, multiple services are provided within the exam room, including weight and height checks, blood work, ancillary services, and scheduling. This new patient experience is a result of the LEAN process in early design and operational analysis.

<p>Collaboration with the Family Advisory Committee resulted in larger exam rooms to enhance comfort and keep families together if required to spend a full day at the clinic.</p>

Collaboration with the Family Advisory Committee resulted in larger exam rooms to enhance comfort and keep families together if required to spend a full day at the clinic.

<p>State-of-the-art distraction elements in the 54 exam rooms include controllable color lighting, markerboards with graphics, and child-friendly furniture.</p>

State-of-the-art distraction elements in the 54 exam rooms include controllable color lighting, markerboards with graphics, and child-friendly furniture.

<p>Extensive interactions with the care team, patients, and families during the design process, including mock-up reviews, allowed designers to right-size the exam rooms, place equipment to maximize efficiency, and provide pediatric-specific elements.</p>

Extensive interactions with the care team, patients, and families during the design process, including mock-up reviews, allowed designers to right-size the exam rooms, place equipment to maximize efficiency, and provide pediatric-specific elements.

<p>Centralization of care team work areas are strategically located between two rows of exam rooms to improve staff efficiencies and provide easy access to their computer work stations and team huddle rooms, in between patient visits.</p>

Centralization of care team work areas are strategically located between two rows of exam rooms to improve staff efficiencies and provide easy access to their computer work stations and team huddle rooms, in between patient visits.

the story

at-a-glance

Project Contacts