In recent years, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and healthcare is no exception. From enhancing clinical practice to reshaping the design of healthcare facilities, these advancements have ushered in a new era of patient care. How can facilities in this market prepare for this evolution of technology? How will it impact the built environment?  

At a recent panel discussion, moderated by Kenneth T. Bellian of Jensen Partners, key speakers including George R. Tingwald from Stanford Health Care Planning, Design + Construction, Kimberlee Roberts from Scripps Health, Long Duong from Kaiser Permanente, and Wesley Ramirez from UC Davis Health addressed the transformative potential of AI and technology in healthcare facilities design and construction. 

Connecting the Dots 

A common challenge faced by the healthcare design and construction industry is limited space and outdated infrastructure. Tingwald and Roberts highlighted the challenges in having their new hospital towers communicate with existing buildings that were designed and built 10+ years ago. The panelists agreed that in the healthcare world, it takes a long time to change. However, Tingwald remained optimistic, emphasizing that technology allows engagement of global talent and innovation to address these gaps. Ramirez added that UC Davis has been looking outside California for innovation, noting successful integration of technology at institutions like Penn Medicine and Houston Methodist. However, institutions face challenges such as cyber security and data protection. In navigating these barriers, we should embrace AI to connect the dots.  

“We can no longer care only about our own universe,” concluded Tingwald, “We are now all part of the same care ecosystem.” 

Futureproofing Our Facilities 

AI can offer support across various areas within medical facilities, including communication speeds, compliance planning, and medication workflows. Duong stressed the importance of creating a “high-tech, high-touch environment,” viewing AI as an opportunity. Tingwald explained that AI can improve department communication and enhance patient care, citing an example that “AI has a much better success rate at reading ultrasounds than techs do.” It is evident that AI's potential impact on the medical field cannot be ignored, emphasizing the need to prepare for its integration from a design perspective and as Roberts noted “create a seamless environment of care”. 

Medical institutions recognize the need for long-term planning to integrate technology effectively. Ramirez highlighted the ever-increasing needs of fiber runs and the importance of “infrastructure planning for the next 20-30 years.” Stanford has already upsized their electrical and data rooms by 20% to accommodate future technologies.  

Enhance the Human Experience and Population Health 

Duong noted that Kaiser Permanente is exploring innovative ways to integrate AI and leveraging data to assess population health, aiming to break down socio-economic barriers and bring care to the underserved. Citing their new medical office building in Watts, “The goal is to hopefully use AI to serve as a lifelong tutor to the underserved to improve health outcomes,” he emphasized.  

However, integrating new technology requires navigating regulations and overcoming hurdles, particularly for landlocked facilities operating in outdated buildings. Roberts questioned if current regulations can be changed to accelerate the approval process for building much needed healthcare facilities. 

 “We need to get people out of the ER and bring care into more communities,” she emphasized.  

She urged the group to leverage AI to develop creative design solutions in the built environment and operational planning. The collective effort to embrace AI reflects the understanding that all stakeholders are part of the same care ecosystem.  

In conclusion, the integration of AI and technology in healthcare facilities design and construction promises to revolutionize patient care, address staffing and space challenges, and improve overall healthcare outcomes. By embracing AI, medical institutions can create a high-tech, high-touch environment that optimizes patient care and experiences while planning for long-term integration.