Bridging Cost and Care: Global Benchmarks For Healthcare Environments

Building techniques demonstrate value in improving care while reducing the total cost of healthcare delivery.
This course is no longer active
[ Page 1 of 8 ]  Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 next page
Sponsored by Bluworld of Water, Engineered Lighting Products, Excel Dryer, Inc., Guardian Industries, SAFTI FIRST and TIMELY Industries
C.C. Sullivan

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss the economic and demographic factors influencing healthcare facility decisions.
  2. List three to four issues and solutions adopted by healthcare organizations to improve building design and project delivery.
  3. Describe building techniques and technologies specifically designed to improve patient recovery (evidence-based design) and building operations.
  4. Explain how such products as glazing, washroom accessories, lighting and others have successfully supported these techniques.

Credits:

HSW
1 AIA LU/HSW
GBCI
1 GBCI CE Hour

Times are relatively good for global healthcare. Life expectancy is at its highest level in history, and new treatments and lifesaving techniques arrive on the scene every day. In the United States, recent legislation-though swirling in controversy-aims to make care more available and affordable. Along with these advances, architects are working to make hospitals and other healthcare buildings a true ally in improving public health and patient treatment.

Yet economics are clouding this rosy picture. The healthcare system absorbs $2.5 trillion annually or close to 17 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Treatment costs tend to increase rapidly, and total spending is expected to grow to 19.5 percent of GDP by 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Hospitals and healthcare providers regularly report a shortfall in payments, which the American Hospital Association (AHA) calculates in the tens of billions of dollars (see Chart 1).

"American hospitals are financially challenged and the trends in revenues and expenses will put and even greater burden on the viability of many hospitals and their ability to fund capital projects," says Anne McLeod, vice president of finance policy for the Sacramento-based California Hospital Association. While the portion of patients with Medicaid has risen over the last decade from 11 percent to about 14 percent of the total economy, McLeod adds, rates of employer-sponsored insurance have dropped precipitously-from almost 64 percent in 2000 to about 8 percent just two years ago. States, now struggling to fill budget gaps, spend on average 14 percent of their budgets on Medicaid, according to the National Association of State Budget Officers.

The need for cost control by hospitals and healthcare providers is driving architects to innovate. Based on demographics alone, the growing need for new and refurbished healthcare facilities will continue its upward trend for years. Yet healthcare facility operators will see a softening of demand due to the recent economic downturn, resulting in fewer patient admissions and fewer elective procedures. Based on those numbers-and a resulting lack of capital-providers are revising their projections for construction spending (see Chart 2). About 40 percent of hospitals have halted projects to increase patient capacity or renovate facilities, although the slowdown has more dramatically affected purchases of new clinical technologies and IT systems.

At the Omaha Women's Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, the architect HDR Architecture employed low-E glazings with low-reflectivity coatings on interior surfaces.

Photo courtesy of Guardian Industries


 

[ Page 1 of 8 ]  Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 next page
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in April 2011

Notice

Academies
Bridging Cost and Care: Global Benchmarks For Healthcare Environments
Buyer's Guide
CUTTING EDGE WATER FEATURES
Bluworld of Water continues to lead the water feature industry with their cutting edge designs and technology. Their scope of capabilities encompasses design consultation, engineering, production, testing and quality control and full-service installation from Bluworld Installation Services. Dedication and craftsmanship ensure that each water feature will create a beautiful signature element for any project.
Bluworld of Water
www.bluworldusa.com
HOSPITAL-GRADE LUMINAIRES
ELP's Full Face Lens Plate option for gypsum installation minimizes edges where particulates collect and allows easy thorough cleaning. When combined with the "HG" option (Hospital Grade) the lens/fixture is double gasketed to minimize air and dust penetration. Additionally, the Hospital-grade luminaires are supplied standard with anti-microbial paint.
PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER RETROFIT KIT
XLERATOR XL-SB stainless steel retrofit kit provides a simple, cost-effective solution for replacing built-in paper towel dispensers with high-speed, energy-efficient XLERATOR® hand dryers. An ADA-compliant, stainless steel panel is mounted precisely into the space where the paper towel dispensers once were, leaving restrooms clean and green.
Excel Dryer, Inc.
www.exceldryer.com
ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL GLASS
Guardian SunGuard Advanced Architectural Glass performance products offer a variety of appearance and light transmission options with outstanding solar energy control. The SunGuard SuperNeutral product line delivers high light transmittance while reducing solar heat gain. Their neutral appearance is the most similar to clear uncoated glass. Shown: Omaha Women's Methodist Hospital. The project used Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral 68 and Royal Blue 40.
Guardian Industries
www.guardian.com
CLEAR FIRE-RATED SOLUTION
SAFTI FIRST offers SuperLite, advanced fire-rated glass with superior clarity and performance for every application. From fire-rated doors and windows to custom-engineered wall assemblies, you can count on them to deliver high-quality products with fast lead times and competitive pricing made here in the USA.
SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions
www.safti.com
PRE-FINISHED DOOR FRAMES
TIMELY frames are available in a variety of metals, including galvanized, stainless steel, and brass. A wide selection of standard finishes and pre-matched custom finishes allows TIMELY frames to perfectly complement any decor. TIMELY frames are stronger and easier to install than conventional hollow metal frames and are perfect for steel stud and drywall construction applications.
TIMELY Industries
www.timelyframes.com