Project RISHI
University of Michigan
WELCOME
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.
CanKids KidsCan Initiative
Project Overview
Did you know that pediatric cancer patients are at disproportionate risk for mental health disorders? Our current project aims to improve the well-being of children battling cancer by partnering with CanKids KidsCan, an organization dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer patients. We are working to redesign and renovate the waiting and palliative care areas at their Delhi branch to create a more supportive and engaging environment.
Phase I: Research
August 2024 - October 2024
Phase 1 of our project focused on understanding the needs of the pediatric patients, their families, and the facility's staff. Through Zoom interviews, we gathered insights on how the palliative care area space was currently utilized, how individuals felt within it, and what changes they would like to see.
Key Takeaways:
-
Patients and families expressed the need for a more engaging and supportive environment during their hospital visits.
-
The current space lacked accessible features and activities, leading to boredom and disinterest among patients.
-
The atmosphere of the room was generally described as "dull," contributing to a negative emotional experience for both patients and their families.
-
There was a strong desire for a more vibrant, interactive space that promotes mental well-being and comfort.
Additionally, we conducted a literature review on pediatric mental health, its impact on overall well-being, and the role of hospital infrastructure in shaping overall patient experiences. Studies show that positive mental health is linked to better health outcomes during and after treatment, yet mental health continues to remain a stigmatized subject in India. Moreover, hospital design often overlooks its psychological impact, despite evidence demonstrating that engaging spaces and group activities (like games, crafts, and art) can significantly improve children's mental well-being -- all of which we aim to incorporate into our redesign.
Phase 2: Design
November 2024 - February 2025
Once we completed our preliminary research, we began designing a recovery room tailored to the needs of the community. One key request from the children was a mural featuring superheroes fighting cancer. Initially, we included Western superheroes in our design, but after consulting stakeholders, we revised our plan to incorporate local Indian superheroes and cartoon characters to better resonate with the children. Along with the mural, our room design prioritizes mental well-being through elements like soft, calming colors, open shelving at child-friendly heights, whiteboard walls for creativity, and accessible seating.
Phase 3:
Renovation + On-Site Visit
March 2025 - April 2025
In March 2025, five members from our team visited the CanKids facility to engage directly with the children, parents, and staff to strengthen our understanding of our community's needs. Through interactive activities and workshops, we better connected with the children while exploring ways to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being. During this visit, we collaborated with on-site psychologists, the CanKids KidsCan board of directors, and our pro-bono architect team to finalize the renovation plan. After the design was approved, we worked with the architect team to identify local vendors and labor companies for sourcing materials and furniture.
Phase 4: Maintenance
April 2025 - beyond
The final phase of our project focuses on ensuring the long-term maintenance and sustainability of the recovery room. To support this, we will equip the community with essential tools while fostering ongoing engagement to keep the space functional and welcoming. We will assess the impact of our renovation through post-implementation interviews via WhatsApp and maintain regular contact with the community through Zoom meetings. With the renovation set to be completed by May 2025, we aim to create a lasting, supportive environment for the pediatric patients at CanKids KidsCan New Delhi.
Image Gallery
View the progress of our renovations, from images of the current waiting room and our finalized mural design to pictures from our recent on-site visit.
