Do healthcare and space environments share any similarities? If so, what can one teach the other?
The seed
Story behind sprouting of the idea.
I want to start with this article as the first one on this blog. Because it' holds a special place in my heart. The thoughts behind this came as a ray of light in the midst of darkness. In retrospect, I now see how that darkness was instead a blessing from the universe.
As those thoughts sparked my curiosity about overlaps a few years ago. It made me realize one very significant realization which I will share later in this article. These realizations were a slow process for me, resulting from personal experiences, opportunities and introspection. I feel these overlaps have broadened my horizons and created a pathway to explore further. This website is focused on doing just that, exploring and discovering along the journey. I appreciate you taking the time to read it and supporting me as I take my first step.
(a) Similarities between space and healthcare environments
Here we go. Despite these two(2) environment differences in functionalities and user groups, they still have a lot in common when it comes to the experiences it creates and the common characteristics they root from. And today we will specifically discuss four(4) of those.
(a.1). EXTREME (favorite, where I had my Aha moment)
SPACE: Physically extreme
User group – Astronauts
This one is pretty evident. Due to its challenging harsh environments and remote setting, Space is a "Physically Extreme" environment. Extreme physical locations are those in which humans cannot usually survive and may require external structure to sustain life. It could be extreme in terms of temperature, radiation, pressure and more. In our case here, the extremities of space involve it being a vacuum with no gravity and weightlessness. As we speak, six astronauts are aboard the International Space Station, inside a pressure- and temperature-controlled capsule where their average length of stay is about six months.
One might argue that living in such a challenging environment is also psychologically extreme. And I completely agree. Living here is mentally taxing for many reasons one of which is the detrimental effects microgravity has on human health. However, these astronauts undergo psychological preparation training which they themselves signed up for.
According to the argument above, it is safe to label this environment as dominantly physically extreme.
It is important to keep in mind that this also applies to other environments here on Earth, including Antarctic research stations, underwater habitats, and even prisons. However, for today, we will focus on space.
HEALTHCARE: Psychologically extreme
User group – Terminal illness
Healthcare is often overlooked when we talk about extreme environments since it is extreme in the unseen phases of psychological adversities users go through. Therefore, I label it as psychologically extreme.
Especially for people diagnosed with a terminal illness, who are in Palliative care or even ITSG bone marrow and much more. While in these facilities, there are so many thoughts going through one's head regarding life's uncertainty. Where your every minute is daunting, versus in space, where it could be thrilling. Since they weren't prepared to be here, psychological stress can worsen their health, their will to live and their ability to fight.
Therefore, while Space is physically extreme, Healthcare is psychologically extreme.
(a.2). CONFINEMENT
SPACE:
A spacecraft's design is confined as it is impacted by the resource constraints and the amount of weight that can be carried on a cargo. Design constraints imposed due to these limitations are a factor in determining the size and weight of the craft.
Additionally, it requires careful planning of the mission to ensure every cubic feet is used optimally (cubit feet instead of square feet here because of all the three axis being occupied here). In keeping with the ISS example above, it is currently shared by five astronauts, with each getting 4 cubic feet of personal space. This space is used for sleeping, exercising, and other activities.
HEALTHCARE:
The term confinement here refers to an inability to go out due to health conditions, the need for external life support when being out, or not to spread an infectious disease. It could be that the confinement is by choice here, since they aren't psychologically motivated and need to gather courage to step out.
It is possible for patients to feel like they are losing control of their schedules and lives. It's for this reason that designers always come up with innovative room design strategies, where some features could also act as a positive distraction. Their focus is on creating a calming environment, with natural light, comfortable furniture and warm colors. Texture, artwork and plants can also help to reduce stress and create a sense of comfort. Additionally, many healthcare facilities are introducing technology to distract patients and help them feel more engaged.
The designs of patient rooms or chemotherapy rooms have changed a lot over the years. From multiple patients being in a room to now hospitals providing private rooms for patients. The medical staff also benefit from this private room arrangement as they can spend more quality time with each patient and provide better healthcare services.
(a.3). ISOLATION CAUSING PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS OR THE OTHER WAY ROUND?
This point was briefly discussed in note (1), and they are connected to one another in my view.
SPACE: Isolation leads to stress
Constrained space could cause stress here, or it could aggravate stress. Let's look at a few dialogues that might be taking place:
Due to the confined space and the inability to go out, I feel very isolated and stressed.
We are so isolated here, and being in a confined space with others makes me even more stressed.
Other causes for stress:
A lack of homely feeling
Inability to see/visit family
Lack of privacy due to confined spaces
Changing schedules and adapting to new surroundings
Missing out on important family milestones
Stress can also stem from the unique challenges these environments can pose on them, such as illnesses, disasters, and emergencies.
Inability to go out as this space will serve as both your exterior and interior for 6 months or more (unless you are selected to go on a spacewalk).
HEALTHCARE: Stress leading to isolation
Let's look at a few dialogues that might be taking place:
With this lingering uncertainty about life in the coming days, I feel lost, anxious and do not want to talk to anyone.
As a result of these harsh treatments, I am so exhausted that I have no energy left to do anything else.
I should remain isolated in order to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Either way, the stress here could arise because of the confined space or one of the following concerns:
Inability to see family in some cases ·
Lingering uncertainty about the future
Disruption in one's life (perhaps in the middle of career advancement)
Anxiety associated with unknowns or even the anxiety in anticipation of test results
Hormonal changes caused by harsh treatments like chemotherapy
Fear of spreading an infection to a loved one
It is important to keep in mind that in both cases, stress affects not only the users but also the support person, which in a hospital can be a family member, staff, or the mission control team in the case of space. Stress can have a debilitating effect on both parties, leading to exhaustion, lack of concentration, health issues and much more. Designers must be aware of the potential sources of stress and address them through design in order to create a positive experience for both the user and the support person.
(a.4). EQUIPMENT IS CRUCIAL AND COMPLEX
SPACE:
As I mentioned earlier, remote places require external structures and equipment to support life since humans generally don't live here. These need to be designed and built to withstand the climate and environment of the region. They also need to be energy efficient and require minimal maintenance.
The crew is out there by themselves, whose lives are dependent on this external structure, equipment within, and the engineering and maintenance of it.
These structures undergo an array of rigorous testing, all the way from vibration, acoustics, heat, shock, and more. Testing ensures optimal performance, early detection of potential problems, including software errors, and most importantly, people's safety. Since they are on their own, they cannot afford for the machine to malfunction. While it is usually designed to also be controlled by mission control experts on Earth, but the crew on board is also trained on how to repair it in a given time frame. Furthermore, there is always a backup plan in case of an emergency. As in a remote area, every step is a milestone and time is crucial.
HEALTHCARE:
Some injuries and illnesses require the use of external support equipment that can support and save patients' lives, such as ventilators, dialysis and more. As patients life depends on these life support equipment, the equipment is also connected to backup power, generators, or switchgears in case of failure. Additionally, hospitals have backup oxygen supplies with other medical gases in the event of a breakdown of the main oxygen system.
Maintaining, inspecting, and testing these systems is essential for their proper functioning, compliance with safety regulations and most importantly, to ensure patient safety. In addition, hospitals have backup plans in case of a malfunction and some staff members are trained to respond to these emergency situations. Each minute is critical in healthcare.
Such equipment can also be used to help patients recover faster and with less pain, allowing them to return to their normal lives sooner. Additionally, it can also be used to monitor and track patient health, enabling doctors to provide better care.
As can be seen that equipment is an integral part of both the hospital and remote locations like space.
(b) Conclusion:
Could there be anything that would act as a positive distraction for people in these psychologically or physically challenging environments? Regardless of which scenario you are in, your immediate space will become your exterior and interior for the next few months. Thus, the immediate environment here can have a profound effect on your brain, thoughts, and ultimately behavior.
Does design have the ability to make a positive impact on people's minds in a world where stress and other factors as discussed can affect the quality of one's life?
Does design has the ability to communicate hope in the face of life's uncertainties?
At the end of the day, both are eager to return home, and one is more eager than the other to share their experiences and stories.
There is, however, one thing that stands out and is crucial to note. (the significant realization I mentioned at the beginning) .
Travelling to Space or any other extreme place is your choice, but dealing with cancer is not.
In light of that, where according to you is there a need for more empathetic and innovative design? Perhaps, analyzing these similar yet different spaces could uncover some intriguing overlaps and cross-pollination of design ideas?
