By Mackenna Moralez, Associate Editor

“New year, new me” may be a corny phrase that is captioned on thousands of Instagram posts, but something about it rings true. The new year allows people to start fresh and take on new resolutions like getting healthier, reading more or learning new things. Fortunately, Healthcare Facilities Today has you covered. 

Over the last year, Healthcare Facilities Today has covered a range of topics impacting healthcare facility management. The articles offer insights and information to help managers succeed and know what to expect in the years to come.  

"Facility personnel are essential to patient recovery,” says Dan Weltin, editor-in-chief of the Facilities Market.  “From infection prevention to physical safety, our top articles demonstrate the importance of facility managers and the challenges they face every day. I'm proud that Healthcare Facilities Today continues to be a resource for the industry." 

10.) Inside the NICU: How the Facilities Team Protects Newborns 

Associate editor Mackenna Moralez details her experience on what it was like to have a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and how the facilities management team strives to keep the most vulnerable patients safe.  

9.) Three Strategies to Streamline Cleaning Labor in Senior Living Facilities 

Contributing writer Keith Schneringer explains why it pays for managers in senior living communities to evaluate all processes within the operations, including cleaning. The article gives three strategies to streamline cleaning within facilities so that it doesn’t compromise care.  

8.) Vanderbilt Health Implements Patient and Visitor Code of Conduct 

Vanderbilt Health took a step to better protect its employees against workplace violence.  The hospital’s policy states that inappropriate behavior toward staff is not tolerated. The policy goes on to define mistreatment and discrimination as acts that compromise safety, impede care, disrupt experience, are abusive or disrespectful or discriminatory. 

7.) Environmental Services and the Fight Against AMR Bacteria 

Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is becoming a global health crisis, requiring immediate, unwavering action. However, prevention can easily save lives. In this article, contributing writer Darrel Hicks describes low-cost options that can help prevent the rise of AMR bacteria in healthcare facilities. 

6.) Oklahoma Hospital Damaged by Tornado Closes Indefinitely 

An Oklahoma hospital was damaged after a sudden tornado ripped through the facility. Mercy Health Love County was able to protect its patients from any damage, but the hospital remained closed for a lengthy period of time. 

5.) Human-Centered Design Can Redefine Physical Spaces 

Human-centric designs is becoming a more prominent design trend in the healthcare space. Contributing writer Con McGarry explains how designers can tackle challenges within healthcare design by using technology. 

4.) Cleveland Clinic Implements Flagging System for Violence Prevention: Study 

Similar to Vanderbilt Health, Cleveland Clinic responded to the uptick in violence in healthcare facilities by implementing a system that flags patients with a history of violence. The flagging system aims for transparent communication while avoiding bias. Read on to learn how the approach led to a decrease in violence reports and increase in staff seeking assistance for managing challenging behaviors. 

3.) Seattle Children's Hospital Embroiled in Mold Class-Action Lawsuit 

Earlier this year, Seattle Children’s hospital found itself in the middle of a class-action lawsuit filed by families of patients that were exposed to mold while in the hospital’s care. Seattle Children’s admitted to negligence in exposing patients to Aspergillus, and the trial determined damages.  

2.) Cleveland Clinic Confiscated 30,000 Weapons in 2023 

A mix of technology and collaboration can help address workplace violence in healthcare settings. With this knowledge, Cleveland Clinic was able to confiscate 30,000 weapons in 2023. The hospital tightened security in its facilities, including expanding their police and security forces, implementing de-escalation training and installing magnetometers in emergency departments. 

1.) EPA Creates New Disinfectant List for Bloodborne Pathogens 

Employee exposure to bloodborne diseases is a hazard that comes with working in the healthcare industry. Precautions are put into place to not put any employees at risk. In Healthcare Facility Today’s most read article of the year, Darrel Hicks explains how healthcare facilities can best protect workers by using certain projects. 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.