Leading healthcare organizations are always looking to
obtain more modern technology to supply better care for
patients. New clinical technologies are continuously being
developed and released to the market to aid in patient
care. These technologies often require upgrading or replacing
existing equipment, which can require facility renovations.
To add to the challenge, healthcare facilities have many
industry-specific assets – medical equipment, diagnostic tools,
supplies – in addition to everyday assets like HVAC systems.
Proper asset tracking and maintenance can help reduce
equipment downtime and prevent unnecessary repairs or
replacement. This can lead to cost savings and better resource
allocation.
Too often, the cost of running a facility that comes AFTER
the construction has been completed is much higher due to
inadequate handover processes. By taking an asset centric
project management approach, healthcare owners can
determine before the facility is built the most relevant data
they will need to access for operating their facilities in the
most efficient manner. That information is shared in the most
organized way, with all pertinent data on that asset linked.
Care models are constantly evolving as healthcare systems
decide how to best tend to their patients. Currently, there is
a decentralization of care from larger acute care hospitals to
smaller facilities like ambulatory/outpatient care, more urgent
care centers to reduce emergency department volumes and
education and wellness centers to promote population health.
This shift will require designing and building diverse types of
spaces and finding ways to build flexibility into construction so
future changes and renovations can be made more easily.
Healthcare facilities are subject to strict regulatory standards
and internal safety, and quality requirements are continuing
to rise. Any construction work must follow these standards to
ensure patient safety, including compliance with building and
fire codes, infectious disease protocols and other regulatory
healthcare requirements.
Adapting Facilities to Modern
Technology
1
2
3
4
Changing Facility Types With
Evolving Needs
Following Regulations to Ensure
Patient Safety
Sustainability
Healthcare facilities have a significant impact on the
environment, and renovations or new construction are expected
to minimize these consequences. Those efforts involve
selecting sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption
and implementing strategies to conserve water and reduce
waste.
While many construction companies have created sustainability
plans and commitments, not all have taken concrete steps to
realize their highest goals. That is because a lack of visibility
is a major issue when watching sustainable practices in
processes.
Healthcare organizations should implement sustainable design,
engineering and construction practices powered by relevant
data to track, measure and reduce emissions and waste
throughout the project lifecycle.
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare | www.kahua.com/industries/healthcare/ 2
