Ecore, a company that transforms reclaimed waste into unique performance surfacing, is adding new providers to its collaborative research Pebble Project initiative  focused on patient safety and reducing the risk of injury from falls in healthcare settings.

Duke Health in Durham, N.C. and Novant Health, which cares for patients in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, each have expressed interest and will participate in the study. Additional providers are expected to join over the next several weeks.

Ecore also has enhanced the scope of the study at Johns Hopkins Health in Baltimore by installing its Forest rx flooring product in an additional 56 patient rooms – providing additional statistical analysis for that facility.

The ongoing research is a part of a Pebble Project conducted in conjunction with a number of world-class healthcare providers and The Center for Health Design, which uses an evidence-based design process in healthcare capital projects, resulting in research focused on quality of care, patient safety, staff safety and environmental safety.

“This research is designed to address if and how the built environment might reduce pain and suffering, while eliminating costs associated with injuries,” said Mark Huxta, director of healthcare sales for Ecore. “By enlisting additional prominent, world-class providers and a larger cross representation of acuities, levels of care and types of patients and residents, we will have more data points and an even better understanding of flooring’s impact on patient safety.”

According to Huxta, the Pebble Project is ongoing through the end of 2017, by which time a statistically relevant number of data points will have been collected to draw initial results.

“We expect the Pebble Project will indicate there is a direct relationship between a product and reduced risk of injury from a fall,” said Huxta. “Anecdotally, we’ve received many stories from hospital staff about improved acoustics, enhanced ergonomics and fewer falls that result in injuries, and we look forward to analyzing the statistical data.”

Ecore and The Center for Health Design first began research for this Pebble Project in 2014 with flooring exploration and testing at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. In 2015, additional testing sites were added, including Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, Ky.; and Garden Spot Village Retirement Community in New Holland, Pa.

To learn more about Ecore and how surfaces can reduce the severity of fall injuries visit:http://www.ecorecommercialflooring.com/.