top of page
Search

Decision-Making Framework: When to Implement Emerging Technologies in Healthcare Construction

The Unique Window of Opportunity

New healthcare facility construction represents far more than a physical transformation—it's a pivotal moment for technological innovation. When healthcare systems are already planning comprehensive workflow redesigns, a new building becomes the ideal environment to strategically introduce emerging technologies that might have been on the periphery of previous considerations.

Two men in hard hats and fluorescent vests discuss a tablet outdoors, serious expressions. Background is green and blurred, with "Equinox HIT" logo.

Why Construction Triggers Technology Adoption

  1. Workflow Reimagination: New facilities demand a complete rethinking of operational processes. This natural disruption creates the perfect conditions for introducing technologies that would be disruptive in an existing, established environment. Unlike retrofitting, new construction allows for:

    • Integrated technology planning from the ground up

    • Designed-in technological infrastructure

    • Minimal resistance to process changes


  2. Blank Slate Mentality: Construction projects inherently push teams to:

    • Challenge existing operational paradigms

    • Explore innovative solutions

    • Align technology with future care delivery models


Identifying Implementation Candidates

Emerging technologies most suitable for new facility integration typically:

  • Address specific operational pain points

  • Offer clear efficiency or quality of care improvements

  • Align with the organization's strategic vision

  • Have minimal initial implementation friction

    • Can be smoothly integrated into new workflows as they're being established

    • Don't require extensive workarounds or complex adaptation periods

    • Have straightforward training requirements that can be incorporated into the general new-facility training

  • Can demonstrate value relatively quickly after implementation


Example Scenarios

  1. Smart Rooms

    • Traditional Barrier: Retrofitting existing rooms with smart technology can be complex and disruptive.

    • New Facility Opportunity: Design patient rooms with integrated smart technology from the ground up. Smart rooms can improve clinical outcomes through dynamic communication channels, on-demand education, and easy access to individualized care plans. They enhance patient experience with personalized displays integrated with the EHR, autonomous bedside controls, and integrated remote care solutions.

  2. Ambient Clinical Intelligence

    • Traditional Barrier: Disruptive to existing workflows

    • New Facility Opportunity: Design rooms and communication systems with integrated AI-driven clinical support from day one

  3. Advanced Tracking Technologies

    • Traditional Barrier: Complex retrofit requirements

    • New Facility Opportunity: Build RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) directly into architectural and technological infrastructure to support patient, visitor, staff, and asset tracking. These benefit safety, workflows, and asset management.

  4. Autonomous Checkout Systems

    • Traditional Barrier: Implementing autonomous checkout systems in existing cafeterias and gift shops can be logistically challenging and costly.

    • New Facility Opportunity: Build self-checkout systems directly into the new facility's café, dining, and shopping areas. These provide 24/7 access to nutritious meals, necessities, and gifts, enhance transaction efficiency, and utilize innovative payment solutions like employee badges. This setup supports staff well-being and increases operational revenue.

  5. Autonomous Robots

    • Traditional Barrier: Introducing robots into established workflows can face resistance and require significant adjustments.

    • New Facility Opportunity: Integrate robots into the facility's design to assist with various tasks. Design hallways and other spaces to accommodate robotic systems from the outset. This includes ensuring hallways are wide enough to allow robots to navigate efficiently alongside other equipment and personnel. Robots can support healthcare teams by delivering lab specimens, collecting linens, delivering meal trays, and medications. They can improve efficiency, reduce staff burnout, and enhance patient experience.


Evaluation Criteria

  1. Readiness Assessment

    • Organizational technological maturity

    • Staff adaptability

    • Potential impact on patient care

    • Long-term scalability

  2. Implementation Considerations

    • Initial and ongoing costs

    • Training requirements

    • Integration with existing systems

    • Regulatory compliance


Critical Timing and Collaborative Approach

Three professionals converse in a hospital setting; the man on the left points to a notebook held by a smiling woman on the right, the man in the middle looks towards the man on the left with stethoscope draped from his neck . Text: Equinox HIT.

When to Engage

The most effective technology integration begins early in the construction planning phase:

  • During initial design conversations

  • Before architectural plans are finalized

  • When workflow redesign discussions commence


Multidisciplinary Decision-Making Team

Successful implementation requires a cross-functional approach:

  • Clinical leadership

  • Patient Experience

  • IT infrastructure experts

  • Facility design professionals

  • Operations managers

  • Financial planners

Implementation Roadmap

  1. Early Discovery

    • Identify potential emerging technologies

    • Align with strategic organizational goals

  2. Comprehensive Evaluation

    • Detailed impact assessment

    • Validation through simulated workflows

    • Scalability and future-state modeling

    • Comprehensive financial analysis

  3. Design Integration

    • Incorporate technological requirements into facility design

    • Create flexible infrastructure

    • Plan for future adaptability

  4. Synchronized Launch and Optimization

    • Comprehensive staff training and readiness

    • Day-one technology integration

    • Immediate performance monitoring

    • Rapid iteration and optimization mechanisms


Key Takeaway

New facility construction is not just about building a new space—it's an opportunity to reimagine healthcare delivery supported by strategic technological innovation.


Transforming Construction into Technology Advancement: The Equinox HIT Advantage

At Equinox HIT, we recognize that new healthcare construction presents a unique window to implement emerging technologies that transform patient care and operational efficiency. By leveraging the natural workflow redesign inherent in new facilities, healthcare organizations can integrate innovations that might otherwise face significant implementation barriers.


The decision to implement emerging technologies requires thoughtful strategy and expertise. Our team bridges the gap between healthcare technology innovation and construction realities, ensuring your new facility becomes a launchpad for your organization's technological advancement—not just for immediate needs, but for the evolving future of healthcare delivery.


Equinox HIT specializes in guiding healthcare organizations through these critical technology decisions during construction projects. We bring deep healthcare technology expertise alongside construction experience to ensure your new facility is strategically equipped with technologies that enhance care, improve efficiency, and provide competitive advantages.


Equinox HIT is Your HIT Construction Partner.

Ready to transform your new facility into a catalyst for technological advancement? Contact us to schedule a consultation.


Note: Technology recommendations should be tailored to specific organizational needs and validated through comprehensive assessment.


This article was developed by the Equinox HIT Team with editorial assistance from AI tools and re-reviewed by the Equinox HIT Team for accuracy and alignment with our standards.

bottom of page