Another day older and deeper in debt: Managing the healthcare infrastructure
For some reason, I've been spending a fair amount of time contemplating the points at which making meaningful improvements to one's structure or infrastructure become insurmountable. I can't say that I'm throwing in the towel, as a going concern, but the notion of "having got your monies' worth" out of a building/facility does drive the reality that building new is a rather expensive proposition. And, in the absence of some level of catastrophe, hospital facilities professionals are often charged with getting even more out of their buildings—it gives new meaning to "putting the squeeze on."
If misery loves company, then there is perhaps some solace to be found in that, to varying degrees, we are all in the same boat. Others are thinking about how, as an industry, these challenges can be effectively managed. I would submit to you that trying to implement new technologies in older buildings can be a compliance nightmare. Even "wireless" technology requires wires (they must end up in places where they are less visible, until the surveyor starts popping open ceiling tiles). That's where the "sins" of the past become the survey findings of the present (insert Christmas gift pun of your choice). To that end, here are a couple of resources you might consider as you brace yourself for the next 5-10 years of planning.
First up is a compelling article from the folks at Cref, a real estate and facilities management company. The article discusses concerns/considerations that should be on your radar for your planning and funding approaches. Sometimes it's just nice to be able to share with your boss(es) some information that reflects the realities of your organization's challenges from an external perspective. Many's the time I've made the same recommendations that had been in the mix prior to my participation, but somehow it becomes an imperative. (I've also been on the other end of that equation—it can be frustrating.) At any rate, I think this one is worth reading and sharing.
Then we have a video hosted by the folks at the Healthcare Facilities Network. "The Aging Crisis in Healthcare Facilities Management" explores "the risks, impacts, and potential solutions to this growing crisis, including how healthcare systems can address operational inefficiencies, regulatory risks, and knowledge gaps." The video is about 35 minutes long, but the content is quite insightful and, again, could be useful in planning conversations with your organization's leaders.
About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a safety consultant with The Chartis Group. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is an advisory board member for Accreditation and Quality Compliance Center. Contact Steve at stevemacsafetyspace@gmail.com.