Description

This innovation transforms a traditional pediatric clinic into a warm, family-centered environment that promotes early relational health (ERH)—the foundational relationships that support children’s healthy development—through play-based learning.

Co-designed by the families, staff, clinicians, and community partners, the beautification integrates culturally relevant artwork, child-friendly play areas, and educational resources that reflect the local community’s identity. Key features an ERH scavenger hunt, Inchy the Bookworm vending machine, a Parent Education Suite (PES) webinar series that offers caregivers practical tools to complement in-clinic care, and a clinic newsletter connecting families with local supports. One clinician described the goal as “creating a space where families feel they belong from the moment they walk in.” 

Need / Problem Statement

This innovation addressed more than aesthetics it tackled how the clinic felt and functioned for the families it served.

When the clinic moved into a new building after 30 years, caregivers shared that the new space “didn’t feel like home.” The walls were bare, the environment felt sterile, and there were few cultural or relational touchpoints. This bare environment limited opportunities for engagement and trust-building, especially for families with young children. Families also expressed a desire for better connections to resources and learning opportunities beyond the exam room including bilingual materials and resources that reflected their culture, language, and lived experience. Key drivers of the need included:

• The new physical environment lacked warmth, identity, and cultural resonance.
• Families felt disconnected from both the clinic and local support.
• Traditional communication relied on handouts rather than interactive, engaging tools.

Process

The design process began with a visioning phase led by the Pediatric Success Project backbone team, informed by feedback from the Parent Advisory Team (PAT- a group of caregivers who co-lead quality improvement efforts), clinic staff, and community partners.

Families identified priorities such as child-friendly spaces, culturally relevant artwork, and a warmer, more relational environment. An arts committee, chaired by a pediatrician who is also a photographer, brought these ideas to life.

• Key partners and roles: The PAT co-led the design process; clinic staff documented murals from the previous clinic to preserve history; community artists and designers adapted the space to meet both clinical and family needs.
• Steps: Family listening sessions led to design planning with the PAT and arts committee, then a review by clinical leadership and finally, installation and community celebration.
• Organizational readiness: The backbone team ensured alignment between design goals and clinical operations, balancing safety and workflow with relational aesthetics.

Partnership

Families and community members were involved from inception to implementation.

The PAT co-designed and installed elements, including murals and interactive features and provided input on design, colors, and play areas through surveys and meetings. Caregiver feedback inspired the creation of new family engagement tools such as the clinic newsletter, PES webinar series, and coloring books promoting early relational health concepts.  
 
Family voices shaped not just the look but the purpose of the clinic, shifting it from a medical space to a community hub. 

Implementation

Implementation unfolded in several stages:  

• Preparation and Setup: Facilities and community artists sourced materials and created murals and play features.
• Beautification Nights: Families, staff, interns, and backbone team members collaboratively installed artwork and arranged interactive areas—building ownership and pride.
• Community Reveal: The redesigned space was unveiled through a celebration featuring the Inchy the Bookworm Vending Machine (a literacy tool that dispenses free children’s books). The event included families, staff, and the city mayor, symbolizing shared accomplishment.
  • Leadership roles: Pediatricians, PAT members, and the Pediatric Success Project backbone team coordinated logistics and communication.
  • Integration: The beautification elements were incorporated into daily operations, making play and connection central to clinic flow.
  • Co-ownership strategy: Providers and staff participated with the PAT on design and reflection sessions, ensuring alignment with clinical values and workflow.

Changes & Outcomes

Since implementation, the clinic has seen measurable shifts in family engagement and atmosphere.

Families now actively interact with the space—children play in designated areas, explore educational materials, and participate in scavenger hunts rather than using phones or tablets while waiting. Caregivers report feeling more “at home” and “seen” in the space, while staff note deeper, more meaningful conversations during visits. Key outcomes include: 

• Increased family engagement and interaction during clinic visits
• Enhanced caregiver confidence and trust in providers
• Stronger connections to literacy and learning through Inchy the Bookworm Vending Machine
• Improved provider satisfaction and team morale

One staff member shared, “Families walk in and immediately say, This feels like us. That’s the biggest sign we did something right.”

Measurement for Success

The team uses both qualitative and quantitative tools to track progress, including:

• Surveys: Family and staff satisfaction surveys to gauge comfort, connection, and engagement
• Observational data: Frequency of family interactions with play areas, educational materials, and PES webinars
• Engagement metrics: Participation rates in the Parent Education Suite and clinic events
• Feedback loops: Regular PAT meetings to discuss emerging needs and adapt activities
• Frameworks applied: Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles support iterative development

Payment & Funding

Funding came primarily from PSP and through substantial in-kind contributions from staff, volunteers, and local artists. The use of existing assets—such as repurposed murals and donated materials—kept costs low while maximizing impact.

• Funding type: PSP, volunteer support, staffand local community donations
• Anticipated gains: 
  
  • Financial: Achieved high return on investment through low-cost, high-impact design
  • Workforce: Strengthened team morale and collaboration
  • Family flourishing: Increased sense of belonging and relational engagement

To learn more about this innovation please email Danielle Little, Executive Director at THRIVE Family Health and Education Center: [email protected].