The Benefits of AAHID Certification
Would you let a friend who is good at math do your taxes? They might have some skills but not the credentials to guarantee they can do a flawless job. Anytime you do this you know you are exposing yourself to certain risks. Interior design is no different. The purpose of AAHID certification is to minimize similar risks in a healthcare setting by assuring the competency of a class of professionals. It is only a matter of time before hospitals and long term facilities demand these qualifications for themselves in much the same way that you would at home.
The American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers is an organization whose mission is the advanced credentialing of Interior Designers that specialize in healthcare. Once a designer has successfully passed the NCIDQ exam and has demonstrated their experience in healthcare, he or she is eligible to take the AAHID exam. Founded in 2004 with the intent of distinguishing this unique and specialized skill set, the aim of the AAHID is so those in the healthcare industry can be confident that the individual they select for Interior Design services understands their needs. According to Jocelyn Stroupe, president of the AAHID, “Our certification establishes the standard for acceptable knowledge in healthcare interior design, focusing primarily on the health, quality and safety of healthcare interior environments.”
For designers, being a Board-Certified Healthcare Interior Designer distinguishes them as experts in this unique field. Healthcare is a very complex industry with many challenges, making it essential for designers to have the knowledge and expertise to advise clients appropriately. The distinction that comes along with being board-certified can lead to greater opportunities for AAHID members.
Peter Brooks, executive director of AAHID, says, “AAHID Board Certified Healthcare Interior Designers are at the forefront of solutions to healthcare related problems and offer hospitals and long term facilities the comfort, security and promise that they are working with someone who is competent, knowledgeable and experienced in meeting their needs.” To those who are healthcare providers, an AAHID Board-Certified Healthcare Interior Designer understands the healthcare industry and the challenges faced – whether financial, operational or those related to capturing market share. Certified Designers are able to address the needs of those a healthcare facility serves: making the environment a healing place for patients; creating a supportive environment for families and creating a safe and effective workplace for caregivers. This covers a wide array of facility types – acute care, ambulatory care, senior living or medical office.
AAHID also provides access to a community of peers, resources and knowledge for its members. As advocates for those who utilize healthcare facilities – as patient or resident, a family member or a caregiver – certified designers bring a powerful force to the industry that can affect change. AAHID works to make improvements to the environment – transforming the healthcare environment into an environment for healing and living. Their interaction with product manufacturers, like Nurture, is one example of how AAHID has affected change positively. It is this dialogue that has led to new and innovative approaches to product design.
Another important activity that AAHID is committed to is the Graduate Fellowship award. Partnering with Nurture for the 3rd year in a row, this award is made annually to a graduate student engaged in research related to the healthcare interior environment.
It’s a very exciting time in the healthcare industry, but not without immense challenges. The hope of AAHID is to be able to lead the way in positively affecting the environments for those who can benefit from it the most.
