The Healing Power of Healthcare Design: From Hospital Rooms to Prescription Packaging

In the complex world of healthcare, we often focus on medical treatments and technological advancements. However, there's a powerful yet sometimes overlooked aspect of patient care: the physical environment and design of healthcare spaces. Research consistently shows that thoughtful healthcare design can significantly impact patient outcomes, recovery times, and overall well-being.

The View in Your Hospital Room

The importance of environmental design in healthcare settings cannot be overstated. According to a groundbreaking study highlighted in the National Library of Medicine, "Design choices matter. Elements such as natural light, noise control, air quality, temperature, and views of nature can affect patient outcomes. The physical environment influences not only patient satisfaction but also patient healing, stress, health, and safety."

“Elements such as natural light… and views of nature can affect patient outcomes,” National Library of Medicine

This research demonstrates that patients with views of nature through their hospital windows typically experience faster recovery times and require less pain medication compared to those facing brick walls. Natural light, calming colors, and biophilic design elements can create a more therapeutic environment that supports healing.

Creating Welcoming Medical Spaces

The design of medical offices plays a crucial role in patient comfort and communication. Johns Hopkins Medicine emphasizes the importance of a comfortable environment in facilitating relaxation and the feeling of safety. Susan Magsamen, M.A.S., executive director of the IAM Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, says expressive art interventions have been shown to lessen burnout and stress. The IAM Lab collaborated with the RISE program to develop pre-surveys and post-surveys to gauge user experience and understand the impact of the Restorative Space on employees’ well-being. The center incorporates biophilic designs, which integrate natural themes and elements. “At the RISE Center, this concept is embodied through the incorporation of biophilic furniture, greenery, lighting and color schemes,” Magsamen says.

When medical spaces are thoughtfully designed with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and calming décor, patients are more likely to feel at ease and communicate openly with their healthcare providers. This improved communication can lead to better diagnosis, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes.

Innovation in Prescription Packaging

The impact of design on patient experience extends beyond facility walls to include every touchpoint in the healthcare journey – including medication packaging. Traditional amber prescription bottles, virtually unchanged for over 50 years, have long been a source of confusion and frustration for patients.

According to healthcare design experts, as noted in McKnight's Long-Term Care News, "Good design isn't just about aesthetics – it's about function, safety, and improving the overall patient experience." This philosophy is perfectly embodied in Parcel Health's innovative Tully Tube, the first-ever custom-designed paper prescription pill bottle.

Leverage the Healing Power of Design this Holiday Season

This holiday season, Parcel Health is bringing an extra dose of joy to pharmacies with "Tully on the Shelf" – a festive twist on the beloved Elf on the Shelf tradition. Patients visiting their local pharmacies will be delighted to receive their medications in the limited-edition Winter Pine Tully Tubes, adding a touch of holiday magic to their healthcare experience. Keep an eye out for these cheerful, sustainable containers at participating pharmacies near you! Pharmacists interested in bringing this festive spirit to their patients can order their Winter Pine Tully Tubes here.

Follow along as we continue to share more “Tully on the Shelf” sightings this holiday season

The Future of Healthcare Design

As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of design in improving patient outcomes becomes increasingly important. Whether it's through the careful planning of hospital rooms, the thoughtful layout of medical offices, or innovative approaches to medication packaging, design choices have real impacts on patient health and well-being.

The evidence is clear: when healthcare environments and products are designed with intention and care, they can significantly enhance the healing process. As we move forward, continuing to prioritize design in healthcare settings will be crucial for creating more effective, comfortable, and healing-centered medical experiences for all patients.