What does the future health care facility look like?

Consider all the integrated systems that could make hospitals powerful and flexible

By Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Certus, Carrollton, Texas April 20, 2020

Future health care facilities will be flexible, adaptable buildings with fully integrated, intelligent systems that know when and how to adapt the environment for ultimate healing. Spaces will be dynamic and centered toward healing with individual controls at our fingertips to empower the patients and occupants alike to tailor individual experiences.

  • What if wireless lighting controls could provide a bridge to the ultimate “future-proof by design” health care facility?
  • What if a single, integrated platform could be used for a multitude of systems, working together harmoniously, without interference, while providing a safe and secure backbone designed to withstand any type of cyberthreat?
  • What if the lighting control devices — already part of the building — could be used for asset tracking and patient/staff badging systems?
  • What if the devices could be used to monitor patient falls to enable faster staff reaction times and allow for speedier recovery?
  • What if the interior devices coupled with the exterior lighting control devices could monitor patient duress even upon leaving the building (before discharge), whether it be to visit an exterior healing garden or unintentional wandering, such as a senior living center or mental health facility?
  • What if the same wireless lighting control system could be used to reduce health care acquired infections by detecting staff’s proximity to hand sanitizing locations and validating that soap was dispensed?
  • What if it could offer further energy savings with integral power metering?
  • What if a single system could integrate with refrigeration monitoring systems, building management systems and staff analytics, from a single platform?

The possibilities are endless.


Author Bio: Danna Jensen is one of the founding principals at Certus. She has extensive experience in the design of safe, reliable and efficient electrical systems for complex health care projects. Jensen is a member of the Consulting-Specifying Engineer editorial advisory board.