By Mackenna Moralez, Assistant Editor

Technology is becoming a more critical component than ever in healthcare facilities. Already, robots are assisting in surgeries, and advanced software is making it possible for telemedicine to take off. Hospitals aren’t just limiting themselves when it comes to implementation, technology is being deployed at different stages, whether it is early prototypes or full production, and they have found more ways to improve patient care.

But there are still areas that hospitals are looking to improve with technology. They include patient safety and satisfaction, supply chain management, and existing system integration.

“Hospitals are looking for ways to increase their HCAHPS score by implementing various technologies,” says Mario Sanchez, associate principal with CRTKL, an architecture, planning and design firm, referring to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. “Some of these technologies are emerging solutions new to the market, and others are simply integrating existing technologies to better take advantage of systems affecting a patients’ stay.”

Patients now can rate hospitals based on their experiences and satisfaction. The higher a hospital’s HCAHPS score is, the higher its reimbursements will be, according to Relias. A lower score can greatly impact a hospital’s bottom line and reputation. Technology can help increase scores by measuring patient-nurse interaction times using sensors in patient rooms, corridors and surrounding areas.

“These types of technologies seek to better capture caregiver bedside times spent treating patients in comparison to other bedside activities such as charting, medication prep or other activities,” Sanchez says. “These types of systems can also be used to better measure hygiene.”

Meanwhile, hospitals are implementing technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGV) and augmented reality to more effectively manage supply chains. Sanchez says AGVs navigate a hospital independently and optimize the delivery of common supplies. The bots also can also be used to alleviate the clutter of unwanted items.

On the other hand, augmented reality is on the horizon, says Ashley Dias, associate principal with Perkins&Will, a global design firm. As technology advances, it will not be long before hospitals see augmented reality supplementing clinicians’ views in procedures and utilizing phone views for wayfinding.

“Eventually, we will see fewer monitors on walls and less physical signage,” Dias says. “The technologies embraced are the ones with obvious impact, short learning curves and convenient startups. Healthcare design teams and owners will need strong, knowledgeable technology advisors who understand the broader strategies and the best tactics for integration.”

Still, patient safety is of the utmost concern for all healthcare facilities, especially in the operating room. Currently, the latest technology being deployed in operating rooms is black boxes, Sanchez says. These systems record video feeds from surgical laparoscopes, as well as monitor vital signs and other key data points. The black boxes can identify trends and improve academic hospital surgical instruction in order to increase patient safety.

“There is an increased emphasis on patient monitoring through technology and fewer physical encounters due to COVID-19,” says Stephen Hegeman, director of SBLM Architects’ Healthcare Studio. “Notably, we also see fewer disruptions throughout patient visits, thereby enhancing the patient experience. To increase patient satisfaction, less invasive diagnostic options and treatment modalities are becoming commonplace.

“Further, improvements in diagnostic radiation technology have substantially reduced radiation exposure while improving images drawn from the process. There have also been substantial strides in healthcare technology integration that provide caregivers greater access to important health-related information. The universal adoption of these newer technologies throughout integrated healthcare systems has improved caregiver communication, which also contributes to improved outcomes.”

Mackenna Moralez is assistant editor with Healthcare Facilities Today.