By Thabang Byl, buildings segment lead at Schneider Electric
Today’s modern healthcare facilities have, respectfully, moved beyond bricks, mortar and medical equipment to now include infrastructure that embeds intelligence and resilience, providing the foundation for safer, smarter and patient-centric healthcare environment. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.
In fact, the medical industry is making truly remarkable gains when it comes to the adoption of new technologies. According to a report the role and impact of new technologies on healthcare systems, healthcare systems are rapidly evolving due to the adoption of advanced technologies such as the IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
“These innovations are reshaping how healthcare services are delivered, managed, and experienced by patients and providers alike,” notes the report.
But unfortunately, system infrastructure considerations (in healthcare facilities) are often left until a later stage, even post-construction, which leads to costly upgrades and hamper adoption of said emerging technologies that bolster patient care.
Start at the beginning
When systems are planned for from the outset, the result is an environment that features the absolute latest in technology, offering gains such as reliable energy supply and precise environmental controls like correct humidity, air quality, lighting, and noise levels – all of which have a direct impact on patient comfort, healing, and staff wellbeing.
Also, incorporating digital infrastructure early enables predictive maintenance, better resource management, and even AI-powered analytics, all of which contribute to operational excellence.
By integrating infrastructure technologies at the design phase, healthcare operators can enable seamless care coordination, supporting clinicians in accessing and sharing vital information quickly and securely. The result is a more agile, connected, and effective care delivery model.