No hidden patient: a safety design model

The national spotlight is now shining on the unacceptably high number of hospital deaths caused by clinical and other patient safety errors. The actual numbers range from the Institute of Medicine's 2001 account of 98,000 deaths per year to Healthgrades' 195,000 deaths in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 due to potentially preventable medical errors. The solution to these problems is the "No Hidden Patient" hospital design. All patients room should be visible at all times by clinical staff. While all medical, clinical and professional staff should be able to communicate formally and informally among themselves without threatening their ability to observe every patient for whom they are responsible, risk confidentiality, or increase the sound level. The trustee's role is to be the ombudsman for patients and to advocate for thoughtful planning of design elements that promote the highest level of patient safety.