Contract - October 2013 - (Page 85)

Emerging trends How are these initiatives changing what we see in healthcare design today? According to Tom Harvey, FAIA, a senior vice president at HKS, Inc., who is also president of the Center for Advanced Design Research & Evaluation, our industry is in a position to pose new design hypotheses that stem from what we have learned through evidence-based design research to date. Today’s architects and interior designers need to more aggressively integrate research intent into their design processes and decisions. Some examples of design hypotheses that could contribute to improved HCAHPS scores, as well as other beneficial comparative metrics for clinical outcomes or operational and financial performance, could include the following: Average size of inpatient units will be reduced, leading to: • Increased direct caregiver time spent with patients • Decreased distractions and multi-tasking that host opportunity for error • Improved caregiver focus by reducing fatigue and distractions • Reduced noise levels that will improve environmental ambiance and satisfaction • Lower facility operation costs Medical technology integrated with design will facilitate greater deployment of resources to the bedside, resulting in: • Decreased size of inpatient units • Increased direct caregiver and family time spent with patients • Decreased opportunity for error from distractions and multi-tasking • Improved caregiver focus by reducing fatigue and distractions • Reduced noise levels that will improve environmental ambiance and satisfaction • Improved patient sense of control and overall satisfaction Information technology will enable new environments that foster greater team collaboration throughout the workplace for healthcare, encouraging: • More rapid response to patient needs and inquiries • Engagement of a broader caregiving and consulting team with the patient in real-time • Improved, and more consistent, clinical pathways of care to support prudent decision-making that reduces cost of care and increased patient/family responsiveness In addition, we will see a rise of collaborations between the health sector and the construction and design industry, a trend towards lean construction processes and integrated project delivery teams, and partnerships between academia and industry. This will create a robust and actionable knowledge base to inform cutting-edge design practice. Affordable Care Act and accountable design Implementation of the Affordable Care Act provides the design community with a singular opportunity to provide evidence-informed solutions that will help to reshape the healthcare experience. Given the growing need to become analytical and evidence-informed designers, we predict that, in coming years, we will see a broad array of new hypotheses explored. Those projects with successful research findings will emerge as new, validated best practices. Today, we are at the cusp of a wave of change, and many challenges lie ahead for healthcare organizations as they undertake quality improvements. The built environment is an essential component in an integrated bundle of solutions to improve care and maximize reimbursements. Success depends on the early engagement of the design team so that it can discuss with owners the impact of design decisions on healthcare outcomes, using a lifecycle rather than a first-cost investment approach. A collaborative approach—with shared accountability, a commitment to improved outcomes, open dialogue, and interdisciplinary and informed teams—will lead this new era of affordable care and accountable design. c Upali Nanda, Ph.D., is vice president and director of research at HKS, Inc. in Houston. Eileen Malone, RN, MSN, is a senior partner at Mercury Healthcare Consulting in Alexandria, Virginia. Anjali Joseph, Ph.D., is vice president and director of research at The Center for Health Design. Design Solutions to Improve Patient Experience and Safety Improved Patient Experience (HCAHPS Scores) Cleanliness • Easy to clean surfaces • Lack of corners and crevices that could serve as dust and grime collectors • Flooring patterns that do not show dust • Well-maintained and effective ventilation systems for improved air quality • Room and unit design to enable equipment storage to minimize clutter Noise • Single patient rooms • Decentralized nursing stations • Sound absorbent finishes, especially high-sound absorbing ceiling tiles • Layout that minimizes noise transfer • Technology integrated in design to reduce equipment noise Improved Patient Safety Infections • Easy to clean surfaces • Easily accessible hand-washing sinks and alcohol rub dispensers • Air contaminant filtration • Single occupancy rooms Falls and Injury • Barrier-free access to bathrooms • Patient transfer equipment • Appropriate flooring selection and design to reduce risk of slips and falls • Furniture selection to facilitate sit-to-stand movement and transfer ease Medication Errors • Task lighting • Reduction in interruptions and disruptions • Ergonomic workstations • Noise reduction (see noise design solutions above) contract

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - October 2013

Contract - October 2013
Contents
Editorial
Industry News
Columnist: Winning Work at the Interview: It’s All About Chemistry—Part II
Product Focus: New Classics
Product Briefs: Health and Wellness
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion
Banaji Pediatric Dental Specialists
Seattle Kids Dentistry
Healthcare Environment Awards
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre at Austin Hospital
Seattle Children’s Building Hope: Cancer, Critical and Emergency Care Expansion
Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center
Kent Campus Expansion, Phase 2 Pavilion
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Camp Southern Ground
Poetic Living
FOUND: An Adolescent and Young Adult Cultural and Wellness Center
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Healthcare Design
Book Review: Sustainable Healthcare Architecture, Second Edition
Designers Select: Healthcare
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - October 2013