VA New Jersey Health Care System was awarded a VHA Patient-Centered Care Innovation Grant to redesign their 6,700 SF outpatient pharmacy. VA NJHCS desired a design team with extensive Evidence-Based Design knowledge and engaged Array to complete the design and documentation. In collaboration with the Center for Health Design, the Planetree organization and the VA NJHCS, Array developed a comprehensive plan resulting in the first Pharmacy dedicated Pebble Project.
In order to achieve the Evidence Based Design goals of improved patient and staff interactions, environmental comfort and more efficient work flows, Array introduced several design innovations. First was to remove barriers at dispensing positions that allows for direct communication between staff and patients without compromising necessary security provisions. Second was a creation of a continuous circular work flow path from receiving, storage, distribution, assembly and checking through to direct dispensing, automated dispensing, holding and mail-out programs resulting in minimized traffic paths and reduced staff fatigue.
Array also introduced the provision of finish materials that are less institutional in character and exhibit both patient and staff hospitality while being acoustically absorbent and readily maintainable. Specifically effective materials include flooring, ceilings and systems furniture. Consequently the redesign of the Pharmacy will improve processing times, maintain a higher degree of accuracy, reduce patient wait times and increase patient and employee satisfaction.