In this second episode of the Gensler Design Exchange, Tama Duffy Day, Gensler’s Firmwide Health & Wellness Practice Area Leader, speaks to Unity Health Care Chief of Staff, Michael Crawford, about setting new standards for comprehensive health care, patient-centered design and community wellbeing. Unity uses a different model than many traditional health systems, with the majority of its 25 “one-stop shop” community health centers located in traditionally underserved locations across Washington, D.C.
In total, Unity Health Care serves over 106,000 unique patients a year in the District of Columbia. In addition to its over 25 centers in the city, Unity also serves the community through 11 co-located sites, several school-based health centers, and an outreach van than travels the city to “meet patients where they’re at.”
At Unity, patients are able to meet all of their primary care needs at their neighborhood location, including dental, vision and health services geared toward general wellness/preventative care. Based on his experience working within Unity’s unique mission and business model, Michael Crawford has a lot to say on the importance of patient-centered design that transcends the exam room, providing the kinds of highly personalized experiences that improve outcomes and the overall quality of care.
