Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

The ethics of space, design and color in an oncology ward

2012; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 11; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s1478951512000077

1478-9523

Elisabeth Andritsch, Herbert Stöger, Thomas Bauernhofer, Hans Andritsch, Anne-Katrin Kasparek, Renate Schaberl-Moser, Ferdinand Ploner, Hellmut Samonigg,

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies

Abstract Change affects all areas of healthcare organizations and none more so than each aspect of the oncology ward, beginning with the patient's room. It is there that the issues faced by the major players in healing environments – administrator, caregiver, family member, and, most importantly, the patient – come sharply into focus. Hospitals are building new facilities or renovating old ones in order to adapt to new environmental demands of patient care and security. Driven by ethical and professional responsibility, the oncological team headed by Professor Hellmut Samonigg of Graz Medical University Graz pursued a vision of designing a model oncology ward unique in Europe. Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the world-famous artist, was the creative force behind the design. The oncology ward became a place of healing, permeated with a colorful sense of life and harmonious holistic care. The successful outcome was confirmed by the extraordinarily positive feedback by patients, families, and healthcare staff.