This Case Study discusses how design thinking is used to examine anxiety and the patient experiences. The case study used design thinking strategies to determine if the built environment in cancer care facilities influences anxiety in patients and also generates patient-driven solutions to reduce stress. The study was conducted using. Eight stakeholders, including cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and staff. They all participated in three design-thinking workshops generating ideas for oncology units. Each work show is broken down below: (see Figure 2 in appendix 7.7 for full descriptions)
Workshop 1: participants used experiences diagramming and journaling, the rose thorn but approach, and the affinity clustering approach. These strategic activities were meant to better understand the problem of stress and gain empathy for individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Workshop 2: participants used the round robin, visualize the vote and concept poster approaches to better understand the problem of stress and generate beginning ideas/solutions for cancer treatment facilities.
Workshop 3: patients used the rough and ready prototyping and think aloud testing approaches to continue generating and refining the ideas and solutions for cancer treatment facilities.
The results of workshop 1, the participants documented their descriptions and charted anxieties on an experience diagram where 1 equaled low anxiety and 10 equaled full panic. This determined the problem with their experience within the medical facility.
The results of workshop 2, the participant felt there were too many clustered individuals, walking through the halls there was an increase in anxiety form seeing other patients, there was a rush to get results there was not enough time to assess and relax this caused an increase in anxiety, the curtains were not a good separation for noise levels, the lighting was bright white fluorescent causing stress and anxiety. All of these factors determined that the experience within the medical institution was discerning.
The results of workshop 3, the patients felt that the parking was an issue when arrived at the medical institution, the length of travel time was an issue, the scents within the medical caused discomfort especially to patients receiving chemotherapy infusions, the facilities felt institutionalized, small waiting rooms caused overwhelming feeling and thoughts, long waiting times caused an increase in anxiety and stress, and travel time within the facility could be shorter or eliminated.
Through the workshops patients determined specific opportunities that could help with the overall success of the medical facilities and reduce the stress and anxiety caused. These included:
1. Less driving (Closer more central facility)
2. Change in décor
3. Variety of colors (creating a more personal and encouraging experience)
4. Allowable incorporation of personal mementos
5. Access to alternative means of movement (walkers, wheelchairs)
6. Appealing waiting rooms (to manage the long wait times)
Within the Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation Facility there will be opportunities to use the data collected form this case study and create a facility that is anxiety and stress free. The facility will be designed to provide parking solutions beside the building as well as across the street. This will allow patients to feel less stressed when sourcing parking spots and distances to reach the facility. There is also an active bus route that stops directly in front of the facility. The decor will add to the lively hood and quality of life for each patient. Décor will be selected for patient comfort and medical grade standards above all else it will also play apart in the color programming of the facility. Chromotherapy will be used to determine colour schemes that play a part in the feelings and emotions of the patient for a reduced emotional state and focus on soothing the mind, body, and soul. Personal belongings and next of kin involvement will be essential in order to ensure the success of each patient’s treatment plans. Lounge areas, activity areas, and waiting areas will incorporate an interactive element to reduce anxiety and stress and distract their mind to create moments of pleasure and satisfaction. The facility will focus on the patient well being by incorporating aspects that induce positive thoughts and reduce stress and anxiety.
Dr. Holly L. Cline is Department Chair for the Department Design and the online MFA in Design Thinking. She earned her Ph.D. in Interior Design and Housing from Virginia Tech, her Masters of Art in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky and her Bachelors of Fine Art from Centre College. Cline is certified by the National Council for Interior Designers (NCIDQ) and is a LEED Accredited Professional.