Sound Design for Healing: The Clinical Approach to Hospital Flooring

Article By: Jigna Shah, Vice President Strategic Accounts, Healthcare and Senior Living

We recently had the honor of hosting a group of members of the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design at the Create Centre for a roundtable on healthcare design.

Shaw greatly values our partnership with Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design, and we recognize that the design and optimization of healthcare environments are complex tasks that require not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of patient needs, staff workflows, and long-term operational goals.

We believe it is imperative to involve caregivers, clinicians and operational leaders in healthcare design to create healthcare spaces that foster better patient care and enhance staff satisfaction, while improving overall facility efficiency.

By bringing in this group from the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design, we had the privilege of learning from some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable healthcare professionals, whose insights and experiences were invaluable in shaping the direction of our healthcare-focused flooring products and solutions.

Patient Safety: Nurse Dedication to Optimal Flooring Design 

Nurses in particular bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the table. They understand the daily challenges faced by staff and patients in healthcare settings. Their perspectives provide us with a clearer, more grounded view of what truly matters in healthcare design. 

Our roundtable discussion brought forward myriad discussions around how we can help create a better care environment, all from a forward-thinking and solution-driven perspective. Discussion topics included: 

• Patient safety 
• Ergonomics
• Staff workflow 
• Adaptive spaces, and more

We recognize that each participant brought their own expertise and insight—whether it was knowledge of the intricacies of infection control, understanding the impact of design on mental well-being, or highlighting the importance of workflow efficiency. Each contribution helped ensure that the design process aligns closely with the needs of those who will use these spaces every day.

The Impact of Collaboration in Healthcare Design

One of the most important takeaways from the roundtable discussion was the power of collaboration. By bringing together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, we were able to foster an environment of open dialogue, where ideas could flow freely and various viewpoints could be heard. The value of such collaboration cannot be overstated in healthcare design, where the end goal is not just a functional space but one that enhances the experience of patients and caregivers alike.

Each Nursing Institute Healthcare Design member brought a unique perspective on how the physical environment affects care delivery. From designing rooms that enhance patient comfort to developing efficient nurse stations that minimize unnecessary movement, the discussion covered many facets of healthcare design.

This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that the solutions we develop are not only feasible but also truly impactful. The inclusion of nurses in the design process allows us to move beyond theoretical concepts and create spaces that address real needs. It also helps us anticipate potential challenges that may not be immediately obvious, allowing for more innovative and effective design solutions.

A Focus on Patient-Centered Design

Our roundtable participants never lost sight of their first priority: the patient. Nurses are in the unique position of observing patient care in action, often seeing how a poorly designed environment can hinder recovery or increase stress. Their insights into how specific design elements—such as lighting, room layout, or access to nature— affect patient comfort and healing were invaluable. Nursing Institute Healthcare Design members emphasized the importance of creating environments that promote dignity, privacy, and well-being.

They highlighted areas where design improvements could directly impact patient satisfaction and safety, including reducing noise pollution and ensuring easy access to medical equipment. Through these discussions, we reinforced our commitment to designing spaces that support the emotional, mental, and physical health of patients.

By listening to those who are on the frontlines of care, we are better equipped to design environments that promote positive health outcomes.

Healthcare Design: Reducing Caregiver Stress & Burnout

In addition to focusing on patient care, the roundtable also explored the critical issue of improving staff efficiency and well-being. Our roundtable members understand better than anyone the pressures of working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. They shared valuable insights on how design can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and create more efficient workflows. The discussion touched on everything from room layouts that streamline care delivery to designing workspaces that reduce physical strain.

By incorporating these elements into the design, we can create environments that support healthcare workers, helping them perform their duties with less stress and greater satisfaction. Furthermore, the NiHD group provided feedback on our design processes, toured a few of our facilities and received a hands-on learning experience on our reclamation, innovations and testing labs.

We also participated in fun activities that promoted collaboration and team-building opportunities. The roundtable discussion was more than just a one-time event—it is part of an ongoing effort to build stronger, more collaborative relationships between healthcare providers and design professionals. Through open, ongoing communication, we can continue to improve and refine healthcare spaces that are not only functional but transformative.