Leon Barretto

Behavioral Healthcare Design covers a wide range of settings which may include psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric units in the general hospital environment, alcohol and addiction treatment facilities, behavioral health clinics, and emergency departments with psychiatric specialty. The pandemic has shown us that there are great opportunities within the field of healthcare and to take advantage of existing and upcoming technology advancements. Embracing technology can dramatically improve building designs and patient outcomes.

Ways design and technology are transforming behavioral healthcare:

Telehealth:

The number of people using telehealth for doctor’s visits increased exponentially during the pandemic, and has also created increased access for behavioral healthcare.

Biotech improvements:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly altering many elements of drugs, and psychological well being will be the subsequent frontier. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based mental health technologies provide clinicians with valuable methods and tools for diagnosing and treating mental illnesses such as major depression, anxiety disorders, cognitive and memory problems in adolescents, adults, and senior individuals.

Use of circadian lighting:

Our internal circadian rhythm is a natural process regulating the sleep awake cycle essentially making us tired when it gets dark and awake as the sun rises.  A growing body of research shows that tunable LED lighting also known as circadian lighting can support positive behaviors outcomes in settings ranging from healthcare to education

Behavior/symptom tracking:

Technology platforms can even help alert physicians to patients who have the potential of developing certain mental health conditions. Software that can review medical records to target patients at risk for mental illness, then links them to care such as therapy and notifies their primary care physician as well, can bring about treatments smoothly yet more efficiently.

Designs reduce anxiety:

Natural scenery designs interventions that expose occupants to natural daylight and nature themes can reduce anxiety while also supporting an environment of safety and normalcy. Behavioral health patients spend considerable time in commons areas with other patients and staff. Behavioral healthcare design include designing visibility in corridors, common areas, group rooms, and activity rooms supports safety, designing for interventions that place privacy between patients and staff. Privacy, access to nature, choice and control, social support, and positive distractions repeatedly proved to be incremental in health, development, and need.