By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Building automation systems (BAS) help streamline and run many processes throughout a healthcare facility. Some of these processes BASs are involved in have an impact on a patient’s experience. In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today speaks with BAS manufacturers about how these systems contribute to the patient experience. 

How do building automation systems in healthcare facilities contribute to patient comfort, safety and overall well-being?   

“Building automation systems affect the patients more than most people realize. They control the security, temperature, humidity and overall comfort of the space. After going through the pandemic, filtration and bringing fresh air into spaces became top of mind for everyone. With building automation systems, you are also able to monitor the quality of your indoor air and identify any pollutants that could be present. You are able to bring in the correct amount of fresh air and clear out any excess pollutants in an efficient manner. It is a simple way to keep patients happy and healthy.” 

— Robert Harland, global product manager, Johnson Controls 

“Building automation systems are the foundation of patient comfort, safety and overall well-being. We typically think first about the functional and safety related aspects of building automation systems in healthcare facilities like controlling pressurized spaces, proper temperature and humidity in operating rooms, etc. 

But building automation plays a huge role in patient comfort and overall well-being. Patients in hospitals are often in stressful, uncertain situations. Giving them control over the environment, comfort and amenities in their patient rooms helps them feel like they at least have some of the same control and autonomy that they have at home, boosting their comfort and overall well-being.” 

— Cody Hampshire, head of building automation and smart buildings, Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA 

“A BAS provides control over an entire facility system, including room level heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), allowing healthcare facility managers to measure, analyze and adapt the environment within a healthcare setting from a single platform. By integrating venturi valve, performance-based HVAC, air quality, safety and security technologies along with advanced analytics, BASs are designed to help healthcare facility managers support continuity by monitoring both the building environment and building occupants' behaviors. Integrated building operations like BASs help facility managers optimize efficiency and responsiveness, protect health and safety and increase the patient comfort and security of their facilities. 

BASs integrating to a performance-based HVAC system can monitor and control indoor environmental air quality (IEAQ) parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, air exchange, particulate count, diffuser velocities, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and air filtration. Maintaining high IEAQ can help reduce the risk of airborne infections, allergies and respiratory issues among patients and staff. Additionally, these venturi valve systems can help hospitals respond quicker and provide a reliable room state flexibility environment to manage pandemic readiness, “code blue” scenarios or normal occupancy at the push of a button. The BAS can adjust HVAC, lighting and other systems based on occupancy and time of day which all impact patient comfort. Overall, integrated building operations help to optimize efficiency and responsiveness, safeguard patient well-being and increase the comfort and security of the healthcare facility.” 

— Dave Rausch, business development manager, Phoenix Controls

Jeff Wardon, Jr. is the assistant editor for the facilities market.