The Potential of Standards in the Planning, Design and Operation of Healthcare Facilities

John Reeve hosted a “Conversation” in early December with a group of healthcare facility development executives. The topic focused on the current use and future potential of standards in planning, design and operation of healthcare facilities. Although virtually all agreed that at some level standards bring value to project development, there were varied perspectives. The areas of divergence included: 1) process of arriving at standards; 2) how prescriptive standards should be; 3) means and methods for enforcing standards; 4) degree of integration with clinical operations standards; and 5) frequency for revisiting/updating. While approaches and results varied, everyone seemed to agree that on balance the application of facility standards can reduce project costs and potentially shorten delivery time. Both are benefits in delivering cost-effective, high quality healthcare to our communities.

Two Christner Presenters at NOMA’s International Conference

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) held their 37th annual international conference and exposition in St. Louis, this year.  The conference was sponsored by Christner, and was organized and orchestrated by Richey Madison, Christner’s Business Development Manager.  Two representatives from Christner presented at the conference, including:

Tom Van Landingham, Associate Principal, presented a case study on Integrated Project Delivery and Lean Construction, focusing on the 2009 ASHE Vista Award-winning Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.

Laurel Harrington, RLA, ASLA, LEED with Dr. Emmanuel Ajuzie, Phd., Associate Professor, Lincoln University, presented an overview of Lincoln University’s Institute for Integrated Agriculture and Energy -  a unique sustainable demonstration farm.

St. John’s Mercy Heart Hospital Recognized as National Model for Healthcare Design

A case study covering the innovative planning and design behind the Heart Hospital at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center has been included by Joint Commission Resources in their guide, Planning, Design, and Construction of Health Care Facilities, Second Edition.  The publication provides organizations with guidelines for achieving Joint Commission and other internationally recognized standards for healthcare facilities.  The case studies included are designed to show real-world examples of strategies hospitals can use to achieve these standards.

Another Christner project was featured in the highly successful first edition.  The innovative Parkland Health Center was included as a model for serving the healthcare needs of small communities.

Shanna Wiechel Presents at the 2009 ASHE International Conference

ASHE International Planning, Design & Construction Conference, 2009.  “Implementing a New Paradigm: Measuring the Results of One Hospital’s Change to a Private-Room NICU,” with Karen Rewerts, Area Director, Strategic & Business Development, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, 2009.

The shift from ward-style nurseries to private-room NICUs is increasingly common, however little research is available on whether this change achieves results.  This presentation was a case study of the new 60-bed private room NICU at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. Topics reviewed include benchmarking of comparable facilities and clinical data including average daily weight gain, average length of stay, infection rates, and staff satisfaction and retention during the first year of occupancy.

This project was awarded the 2009 ASHE Vista Award for Renovation – a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the importance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building environment.

Valmik Thakore Presents to the AAMI Annual Conference 2008

“Designing for the Unseen:  Preparing Your Facility for Evolving Technologies,” Valmik Thakore with Barrett Franklin and Sudhakar Nagavalli, KJWW Engineering, and Dennis Minsent, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation Annual Conference, San Jose, 2008The rapid evolution of medical technology is making it more and more challenging for owners to plan for every possible facility need. However, there are methods for equipment planning and space design to help clients prepare for architectural changes that not only accommodate new technologies but also meet sustainable design requirements. Valmik, Barrett, Sudhakar and Dennis shared their experience and lessons learned in the technically demanding field of medical equipment planning.