Many specialties, one corridor meant confusion and inefficiency for the Simon-Williamson Clinic at Princeton Baptist. The rabbit warren that led, or misled, patients through the maze of offices to each physician's practice was another frustration. To resolve these issues, Simon Williamson physicians called on Gresham, Smith and Partners of Birmingham's Healthcare Studio to design and more workable space.

The problem that designer Steve Alby, director of the Healthcare Studio, faced was 32 physicians in practices as diverse as oncology, pediatrics, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, podiatry, urology, ENT, gastroenterology and neurology. All of these specialties display different practice patterns. While surgeons may be out on rounds all morning, the pediatricians' offices may be packed with flu patients. Some populations don't mix well, either, such as cancer patients and kids with runny noses.

Sorting through their circulation patterns, Alby devised a zone system. The first zone is dedicated to patient entry and waiting, the second to patient services and the third to physician offices.

In the first zone, patients enter a bright, cheery reception area with a glass front. Far from being buried in an existing building, each patient waiting area can be viewed from curbside before patients even enter. The patient destination is clear. Using the visual trick of light and windows, the reception areas are actually smaller than those in the former offices, but patients perceive them as larger, according to Alby.

One of the details is a translucent canopy over the front entrance. While it protects patients from the weather, it also does not block the light. Older patients often experience difficulty adjusting to light and the filtered canopy allows for a safer transition into the building.
The simplification of zone one eliminated the stress and time-consuming task of directing and redirecting lost patients. Landmarks such as columned reception desks and identifying colors add to the ease of navigating the building.

"There had been a lot of frustration bordering on anxiety in the old building. The staff was spending all its time giving directions," said Alby.

The physicians pride themselves on being a casual group and preferred a waiting area similar to a living room. Interior designer Sarah Peinhardt selected warm neutrals for the walls and geometric patterns for the furniture. The tones reflect earth colors such as sky blue, sand and light terracotta, which research proves to be calming and reassuring, according to Peinhardt.

Waiting rooms were also separated. Cancer patients, who come frequently for treatments and who may have compromised immune systems, enter and go to their own area on the first floor.

"They are the sickest patients and therefore have the shortest walk. You don't want to drag them through the clinic," said Alby.
In the opposite direction are the children, who no one wants to be exposed to. Urology and gastroenterology share similar patients and a waiting room.

The second zone separated out the nurse and patient room zone. In the old facility, patients, nurses and physicians crossed paths continually, enabling doctors to become cornered by patients, wasting valuable time and compromising confidentiality, according to Alby.

In the third zone is the space for physicians. Though located in the back, every office has a window that brings in natural light. Physicians emerge from the back, lowering their chances of encountering loitering patients in hallways.

"The patients are happy and the physicians are happy," said Tim Anson, project coordinator for Gresham, Smith and Partners.
"We've had lots of compliments from patients (especially about the paint colors.) It's been so nice to come into such a sunny space every day," said Dr. Beth Sahlie in an e-mail to Peinhardt.

One reason for their satisfaction is the $15 million project came in $1 million under budget and two months early. The space even allows for growth both upstairs on the third floor and in the working area for practices that may add or subtract a doctor.

"We assembled a good team, both with the physician's building committee and our contractors. We got a room full of folks together to craft a good, clean solution," said Anson.

The group's previous projects include the UAB Women and Infants Facility and the North Pavilion at UAB.


June 2007