An essential reference for physicians, patients, and designers

Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Role of evidence-based design; The patient-centered care movement, Planetree, and the Center for Health Design; Green design, sustainability, and technology; ADA and HIPAA; The role of evidence; Unifying themes in this book; A call to action; Chapter 1. Office Location, Signage, and Identity: Where and Who You Are; Overview: Schemas and patients' expectations; Location; Signage; Parking; Exterior landscaping and image: An overview; Chapter 2. Arriving, Waiting, and Taking Vitals: Setting the Stage; Overview; The spatial continuum: From entrance and reception to interior spaces; Reception space: Expectations and functions; The waiting room: Territoriality, personal space, and privacy; Lighting; Furnishings; Staff areas; The toilet room (restroom); Chapter 3. Consultation and Examination Spaces: "You Feel Healthier When You're Dressed"; Overview; Anxiety and the medical consultation; Models of consultation; Privacy concerns: Overview; Illumination: Properties of lighting and dynamic lighting systems; Personalization in the office suite; The psychotherapist's office: Continuous consultation and examination; Consultation and exam spaces: A century ago; Chapter 4. The Ambient Environment: Changing the "Sick People's" Atmosphere; Overview: The waiting room should "lose its 'sick people's' atmosphere"; Ambient characteristics: Control, positive distraction, and personalization; Giving patients control and permission; The senses: Visual stimulation and positive distraction; Nature: The real deal; Music as positive distraction; Complimentary food and beverages; Other senses; Safety in the medical suite: By regulation and by association; Closing thoughts; Further reading; Index.