Stantec Architecture and Cesar Rubio

Health care reform sparking ambulatory care boom

Building facilities for the future that also work for today called biggest challenge

By Healthcare Facilities Today


The prospect of a greatly expanded customer base created by the Affordable Care Act has U.S. hospitals and health systems looking at how and where they treat patients who will be more actively engaged in their own health and well-being, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website.

Going to where the customer is has become a primary strategy that has hospitals and health systems. Networks of ambulatory care centers, physician practices, and urgent care centers are being built around the country. Providers are also upgrading facilities to support a new model of delivery that will rely heavily on technology and teamwork.

 “The biggest challenge is that we’re creating this more distributed model of healthcare with ambulatory facilities in today’s healthcare world, knowing that world is going to be very different five to seven years from now,” said Kip Edwards, vice president, development and construction for Banner Health in Phoenix, which is opening new clinics at a rate of four to six per year across seven different states.

Designing flexible spaces that accommodate new technology and care teams means fewer walls and more shared spaces—a trend that started in corporate offices more than a decade ago, the article said. Wireless technologies enable doctors and nurses to work with patients in various settings, communicating through email, videoconferencing, streaming media, and remote monitoring and robotics. Edwards said he believes that in the future, most routine office visits will be e-visits. 

“Today, we’re building exam rooms, but tomorrow we’ll need more group spaces,” he said in the article.

Read the article and view the image gallery.

 

 

 

 



October 23, 2013


Topic Area: Construction and Design


Recent Posts

Hospitals Recognized for Sustainability, Resilience Achievements

The 496 healthcare organizations have demonstrated leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.


Caravel Autism Health Opens New Therapy Clinic in Missouri

The clinic features colorful, sensory-friendly spaces.


On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


Hackensack Meridian Health & Wellness Center at Clifton Opens

The Clifton center expands health care access in Passaic County by reducing barriers such as travel and wait times.


Suffolk Breaks Ground on Expansion of White Plains Hospital

The 10-story, approximately 500,000-square-foot expansion is slated to open in 2028.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.