Designing a Safe and Comprehensive Gluten-Free Menu to Improve the Human Experience
Published September 30, 2024


Discover how patient feedback at UNC Hospitals led to a comprehensive overhaul of gluten-free food safety protocols. This initiative targeted cross-contamination by establishing dedicated preparation areas for gluten-free items and enhancing staff training on allergy management. Beyond improving safety and expanding menu options, this project fostered stronger cross-functional collaboration and demonstrated a deeper organizational commitment to continuous quality improvement, reshaping the patient experience for individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Related content
-
Environment & Hospitality
Evaluating a Co-designed Patient-Facing Digital Hub for Enhancing Patient Engagement in Research (PER)
Published March 4, 2025

This report highlights a shift from patients as research participants to active partners. Learn how, through a co-design approach, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre developed a website to support patient engagement in research, with feedback shaping its usability and accessibility. Patient partners reported a positive experience, feeling heard and appreciated in this co-designed initiative.
Learn more -
Culture & Leadership | Environment & Hospitality | Infrastructure & Governance | Patient Family & Community Engagement | Policy & Measurement | Quality & Clinical Excellence | Staff & Provider Engagement
A Commitment to Human Experience in Essential Hospitals
Published July 11, 2024
A Commitment to Human Experience in Essential Hospitals highlights the innovative practices of essential hospitals in enhancing the human experience in healthcare. These safety-net hospitals are crucial for providing care to underserved and marginalized communities, addressing complex medical needs and significant socio-economic challenges. Despite facing financial constraints and staff shortages, essential hospitals excel in creating
Learn more -
Environment & Hospitality
Where Do We Go From Here? Improving Hospital Wayfinding to Reduce Stress and Improve Care
Published March 24, 2026
For patients and families, getting lost in a hospital can feel overwhelming and it often shapes their perception of care before a single clinical interaction occurs. Wayfinding is more than signage; it’s a human-centered experience that affects safety, efficiency, and trust. Join this webinar to discover how thoughtful, patient-centered wayfinding can transform the hospital experience.
Learn more