New and exciting trends are taking shape in the world of healthcare real estate design. While healthcare real estate has been more traditional in the past, its innovations have started to garner the attention of market experts. The inclusion of technology and shift to patient experience has been a positive change for the healthcare real estate sector. Below are a few of the specific healthcare design elements to watch for in 2020.
Healthcare CRE Top Trend: Technology
The design of healthcare facilities is beginning to leave room for new technology. As a result, one trend is creating more adaptable and flexible spaces to accommodate these new technologies as they emerge. One example is the patient sign-in process. While in the past, medical facilities greeted patients with a desk and a clipboard sign-in, many are now offering a more advanced sign-in process. Kiosks are awaiting patients in the front lobby or waiting area. The patients can quickly check themselves in without having to wait in line or speak with a staff member.
Some health systems are also offering online patient portals. Patients can sign in to their accounts to check their recent test results, message their doctors, or schedule appointments. Portals also offer a quicker billing process and provide the patient with easy access to his or her medical history. These types of technological upgrades improve the workflow of the administrative aspect of a medical practice. They also provide a simple communication resource to their patients.
Patient Experience
GlobeSt cites Julie Frazier, of design firm Perkins and Will, explaining that patient experience has become the focus of healthcare real estate design. Hospitality is becoming a key component in offering a positive patient experience. In one example, Frazier explains that patients are looking for apps that will help them find the correct office. Patients may even want the app to show them available parking near the facility before they arrive.
In addition to apps that assist with logistics, the patient experience trend stretches to facilitating a healthy patient lifestyle. Rather than just treating the patient’s illness, medical facilities can integrate walking paths or even on-site gyms. Tenants with shared interests, such as a drugstore, a gym, or a health food cafe, can also share a property. These provide services and healthy lifestyle amenities while promoting patient wellness.
Protection and Safety
Large medical facilities, such as hospitals, have placed high importance on patient and asset safety. One of the big topics of conversation has been structural safety during natural disasters. GlobeSt mentions Frazier’s comment on this topic: “With the nature of our building occupants, it has been increasingly more important to maintain continuous operation in the face of these storms with resilient design strategies, not only to protect investments, but to protect patients.”
But natural disasters are not the only concern when it comes to patient safety. Healthcare personnel should consider external threats, such as active shooters, when designing their spaces. Healthcare Design Magazine lists a few specific safety design elements, including well-lit parking garages, full surveillance camera coverage, and landscaping that does not impede visibility. Medical practices have a few other security technology options as well, such as visitor check-in systems or emergency notification systems. Safety will be an important factor in healthcare real estate design in the upcoming year.
Healthcare real estate is a growing sector, and with growth comes change. As this submarket continues to gain attention, healthcare professionals are making sure their design features are up to the latest standards. Since healthcare real estate is in high demand, it will be exciting to watch the new design trends expand and unfold in 2020.
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