ENHANCING THE PROVIDER EXPERIENCE
Acting as a gateway to more than 450 world-class providers and staff, the Bellin Surgery & Specialty Center brings consultation and streamlined care to one location for community members. Bellin knew empowering providers would be key to delivering extraordinary patient care. To design a space that championed collaboration, ensured visual and acoustic privacy, and incorporated functionality, Bellin worked with furniture integrator Duet Resource Group, which suggested KI Wall.
Jennifer Macdonald, Senior Vice President of Specialty Service Lines and executive sponsor of the project, provided insight into how KI Wall solutions helped Bellin achieve its goals.
“The KI Wall team was open to communication and very timely with their responses,” she said. “They really helped us figure out what would work best for us to achieve our goals. They were very well prepared and proposed ideas for the different directions we could go. Not once did we feel like we were leading them through the process.”
Designing for Connection
In recent years, Bellin faced the challenge of balancing openness with privacy in its clinics. Multiple small, specialized clinics limited collaboration among providers and restricted the opportunity for cross-specialty insights and innovation among medical staff.
To overcome this challenge, Bellin adopted an all-encompassing philosophy aimed at bringing a diverse array of specialties together under one roof.
Macdonald found KI Wall solutions encouraged exploration among the medical staff and significantly enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration. KI Wall solutions enabled the design of the new clinic layout, strategically positioning providers around care team pods and procedure rooms for easy access.
“Providers really love the fact that there are multiple different specialties, that they're not just working within their one brand or service line,” Macdonald said. “Co-existing with other departments allows for seamless patient care, transition from one location to the next, and allows for a host of multi-disciplinary communication opportunities.”
While promoting communication among the care team, the wall design also maintains a quieter atmosphere for the staff.
MAINTAINING PRIVACY
Visual and acoustic privacy is essential in a healthcare environment as providers have confidential conversations, conduct patient consultations, make referrals, request lab images, and coordinate surgeries.
Macdonald explained, “The way some clinics are designed requires patients to walk right past the staff area. Privacy is highly important in healthcare and separating the on-stage and off-stage areas for staff enhances our ability to ensure personal information stays that way.”
The orthopedic clinic opted for Evoke architectural walls specifically for the acoustic properties. With an STC 50 rating, Evoke solid panels help minimize sound transmission and create a more serene environment where sensitive discussions can take place without the risk of being overheard.
Additionally, Lightline architectural walls were used to create alcoves that effectively balance privacy and collaboration. A film applied to the glass provides visual privacy while still allowing natural light to permeate the workspace, resulting in a bright and inviting atmosphere. The semi-private alcoves provide a sense of seclusion without isolating individuals from the collaborative atmosphere.
“The offices are not traditional,” Macdonald explained. “The KI Wall team helped us design a solution that fit our unique needs. This area feels open, while also providing privacy. From a design, structure, and efficiency perspective, these workstations are working very well.”
Functionality Meets Aesthetic Appeal
Evoke architectural walls provided inherent functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Providers appreciate the magnetic panel shells, which allow them to hang items with ease.
“You would not believe the creative things they have done with those magnetic walls such as patient flow magnets, NCAA brackets for fun, visual workflows of priority tasks, and of course, decorating them,” she said. “They have worked very well for our team.”
Another advantage Bellin leveraged by specifying Evoke walls was technology integration. Evoke walls are meticulously manufactured to include wiring and conduit when power is specified. The pre-assembled panels install quickly and seamlessly connect essential technology such as light switches, thermostats, and room schedulers.
The understated functional beauty of Evoke magnetic shells, paired with the modern minimalism of Lightline glass storefronts, creates a beautiful atmosphere for patients and staff alike. Macdonald noted the appeal of the space can help with provider recruitment as well.
“The architectural walls are modern and sophisticated, elevating the entire look of our facility, which is helpful for recruiting, for showcasing a fresh, contemporary space, and even for exhibiting a clean, functional, well-lit space,” she said.
Setting a new standard for healthcare design
The partnership between Bellin and KI Wall resulted in the successful development of the Surgery & Specialty Center and set a new standard for healthcare design. By prioritizing collaboration, privacy, functionality, and technology integration, KI Wall helped Bellin meet the needs of its providers while ensuring a superior healthcare experience for its patients.
Staff and patients alike appreciate the facility’s beautiful, welcoming, collaborative atmosphere.
“Our teams love their new workspace!” Macdonald remarked. “The feedback on the facility is so positive, highlighting a classic, functional, and bright workspace that allows for flexibility, communication, noise control, and a professional atmosphere.”
