The growth of the IT backbone: Becoming a smart hospital
By James A. Brownrigg
The convergence of information technology systems in healthcare building is causing us to look at more effective integration of technologies. Facing increased competition, tighter spaces, staff retention and reduced reimbursement, today’s hospitals are looking at strategic ways to use technology to manage their systems.
Mid-Size on the Rise
Medium-sized hospitals help patients find their way, relax, and [perhaps even] sustain hope
By Scott A. Larkin
For years, hospitals have emphasized function over form. Cost considerations and staff work flow influenced design more than patients’ needs did, so going to the hospital became a stressful experience, rather than a healing one. Contemporary design, however, has gotten creative. Facilities like the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Utah, and the St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Idaho use the existing landscape to cut costs, improve patient wayfinding, and perhaps most importantly, provides patients with a sense of hope.
Lighting the Way
Medical illumination is a matter of form and function
By John Guzzon
Treating patients is an extremely important task. In order to provide proper care, it is best if the environmental conditions are at their most dependable levels.
Healthcare practitioners need to operate in clean environments with properly working tools. But above all they need to see — not just well enough to read the chart, but to treat the patient properly.
