March 24, 2017
At Studio Design Group Architects, our healthcare design strategies are fluid based on the unique needs of every hospital client. When we’re designing hospital projects our team carefully considers the balance between form and function. Healthcare spaces need to be as efficient and technologically innovative as they are beautiful and inviting. In examining healthcare architecture trends, we’ve learned what patients value in both design and functionality varies considerably based on age.
Millennials (individuals born between 1982 and 2000) have officially replaced Baby Boomers as the largest population segment in the country at over 83 million. At the same time, the U.S. is home to about 75 million Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) who frequent healthcare facilities far more often.
Recently research team Clinic 20XX conducted a poll of 150 Millennials and 150 Baby Boomers to collect their healthcare design insights. What did they find?
1. Millennials and Boomers both care about choosing a healthcare clinic based on healthcare coverage and perceived cleanliness. The distinction is Millennials are more likely to factor in proximity to their homes while Boomers look for the ability to get diagnostics done on site.
2. What makes a hospital design appealing? Millennials value convenience. They want 24/7 access, same-day appointments, and the option to register online. Boomers? They seek a quiet environment and don’t mind waiting over an hour for their appointment.
3. No surprise here – Millennials demand technology integration in their healthcare spaces. Millennials want virtual access to their physician and mobile apps to constantly monitor their health.
4. How do the generations relate? Both Millennials and Boomers often spend their waiting time using smartphones. In fact, patients of every age are more likely to revisit a healthcare space if they had access to Wi-Fi.
5. The most dramatic statistical difference? Millennials want a spa-like ambiance in their clinic architecture. Boomers couldn’t care less about that; it ranked last in their survey of importance.
Ultimately, for hospitals to attract and retain Millennials while keeping Boomers satisfied, healthcare design requires attention to both technology and overall patient experience. The Studio Design Group Architects team happens to specialize in both.
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