The world of modern healthcare is changing. New regulations are being enacted, payment models are changing, standard facilities management is starting to include information relating to patient satisfaction and treatment results. Meanwhile, standards involving evidence-based practices, reducing hospital-acquired infections and treatment outcomes are also evolving, driving up overhead costs among laborers and supplies. While dozens of challenges may exist in healthcare facilities management, the top challenges can be grouped together in these four categories, which can be improved through energy management systems and smart building technologies.
1. Changing Facility Emergency Systems’ Requirements Following New Regulations
The modern emergency response systems are linked through the internet, and not having the right information available can easily result in penalties and fines by oversight agencies considering new regulations.
Some typical changing requirements include the use of fault-detection devices in electrical outlets, patient equipment and other areas in patient care areas. Moreover, local, state and national oversight agencies want to be able to perform inspections and assessments of a facility’s current status instantly. As a result, the only solution lies in bringing these systems online and connecting them through the IoT.
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2. Financial Pressures Demand Lower Overhead Costs
Healthcare facilities have been a major topic of concern in recent months following the collapse and possible repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act. With an uncertain future, healthcare facilities managers are facing additional pressures to decrease costs wherever possible. Fortunately, energy management systems can open new revenue streams to healthcare organizations. Moreover, these pressures are being placed on facilities management professionals by patients, stakeholders, oversight agencies and insurance companies. New patient safety statutes require better, safer Systems. As a result, change will need to be swift and effective.
Oversight agencies are also increasing scrutiny on systems impacting patient safety, like elevator controls, fire alarms and electrical systems. As a result, facilities managers are facing increased pressure to upgrade existing patient safety systems and keep costs down.
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3. Security Concerns Are Increasing
One of the primary issues impacting modern healthcare is security. In fact, recent security problems in New England hospitals contributed to a severe threat to both patients and employees. But, smart building solutions can improve security at healthcare facilities, including increasing the number of Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs), better monitoring of areas and increased accountability, which may also include authorized and limited access points.
4. More Facilities and Insurers Are Looking at Treatment Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
Another factor impacting healthcare facilities management involves reimbursements and health insurance coverage options. For example, some companies and insurers may not remit payments back to a facility if patient satisfaction is low or rated poorly.
Tackle These Healthcare Facilities Management Challenges Before New Regulations Take Effect
These challenges can result in hospital financial losses and trouble staying competitive with upcoming healthcare facilities. Rather than leaving the door open to chance, face these challenges directly by implementing a new energy management system and analytics platform, such as ENTOUCH.360 today.