Design Thinking: Prototyping Clinical Learning Space

A music school is the inspiration behind the physical design and layout of the space. The clinic’s objectives include offering patients a sanctuary that is safe and comforting in addition to providing learners an environment that is centred on education and patient inclusion. The patient enters the space on the right side and is greeted by the medical office assistant (yellow rectangle).

The patient area is  surrounded by “empathy” and “healing” walls. The “Empathy Wall” contains patient stories and art. In this room they are offered services such as coffee, water, massage, and aromatherapy. In the middle of the space is the “Recording Room” (brown rectangle) where the student and/or resident, preceptor, and patient explore learning. Patients invited into the Recording Room are intimately involved in the learning process and assist both preceptor and learner in delivering care. There is an “Observation Room” directly attached to the right of the Recording Room for learners, educators, and patients to observe, provide constructive feedback, and debrief.

Above the Observation Room is a small private “Resident/Student Space” designated for computer work, note taking, etc. To the right is a large “Procedure Room” (pink rectangle) that allows for the team to watch and engage with both spaces. To the left of the Recording Room is the “Doctor Workspace” (blue rectangle) that offers an open concept setting allowing for physicians to converse on patient, teaching, and learning matters. Surrounding the Recording Room are a series of “Practice Rooms” designed for R2s who require less observation in their work with patients and more hands-on experience.

TEAM TWO: Patient Education & Empowerment Model

The objectives of this clinic include empowering and educating patients as well as supporting physician wellness and learning. Patients arrive at the top centre of the layout where they are greeted by the medical office assistant (represented by orange polka-dot square). As the patient enters the space, they experience aromatherapy and light music.

To the right of the room, there are a series of “Patient Workstations” (heart-shaped cushions) and wifi that offer access to patient-centred educational websites and resources. Once greeted and checked in, the patients are then asked to head into the room on the right that educates them on taking their own vitals including blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height. Next to the “Vitals Room” (blue pipe cleaner) there is a “Patient-Dedicated Bathroom” (yellow pipe cleaner) to the right of this space.

In the centre of the office is the ”Learning/Command Centre Pod” (yellow, white, purple polkadot squares) that has a series of “Patient Exam Rooms” (white squares) where students, residents, and preceptors meet with clients. As patients enter the room, they come upon an iPad located at the door that registers their mood and responds by adjusting the exam room’s lighting, scent, and music to provide greater patient comfort. Each room is outfitted with one door for staff and one door for patients as well as a skylight for natural light.

The “Staff Workroom” (yellow square) is where physicians and learners can convene to discuss their experiences. There are one-way mirrors that connect the Staff Workroom to the surrounding patient rooms allowing for observation. To the right of the Learning Pod, is the dedicated “Staff Bathroom” (pink pipe cleaner) and “Meeting Room” (blue square) serving treats and craft coffee. To the left of the Learning Pod is the “Procedure Room” (cork square) again offering two separate doors for staff and patients. In the top left-hand corner, there is the “Staff Gym” and “Change/Shower Room” that encourage employee health and wellness.

TEAM THREE: Patient-Family Oriented Model

The main objectives of this clinic include creating an inviting and inclusive environment for the patient and the patient’s family members. The residents working on this space discussed the increasing presence of family members at their clinics and felt the need to accommodate them.

The patient enters the setting from the top left-hand corner (blue rectangle) and is greeted by a medical office assistant at the front. On the right side, they have access to comfortable seating (heart-shaped cushions), a library, snacks, coffee, and toys for the kids. To the right of the “Patient Learning” area is the “Patient Bathroom” (black square). On the far left, the patient enters the exam room, now identified as the ”Family Room” (pink rectangle) where patients and their family are encouraged to make themselves at home. These rooms are fairly large in that they can accommodate for up to 4-6 people.

In the centre of the space is the “Learning Office” (aquamarine square) outfitted with a series of “Workstations“. To the right of that room is the “Procedure/Supplies Room” (light blue polkadot rectangle) empowering and educating both learners and the patients on the procedures being performed. Surrounding the space are varied “Exam Rooms” for learners and educators to see patients and debrief their experiences.

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