What Happens to Care When the Doctor Is on a Screen?

A Research Showcase Series lecture

Telehealth has rapidly transformed how patients and providers interact, yet little attention has been given to how technological devices and physical environments shape the quality of these interactions and, consequently, the quality of care. This lecture explores how different telehealth technologies and spatial design factors influence interaction dimensions such as communication, trust, and emotional connection in healthcare settings. Drawing on an experimental study with qualitative findings, Dr. Farzane Omidi will show how small design decisions can significantly affect patient experience and provider engagement. These insights inform the future design of virtual and hybrid care environments and have implications not only for healthcare design, but also for how we think about technology-mediated human interaction more broadly.

Farzane Omidi is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Interior Design program at Iowa State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design from Texas Tech University and has professional experience in architectural practice, with a research focus on healthcare design, evidence-based design, and human well-being.

This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.