Designing & Building for Health: Strategies for Early Design and Construction Excellence In Outpatient Medical Offices
The US Healthcare system is navigating through a transformative era fraught with significant challenges, including the demands of caring for an aging population, demands for community healthcare networks, workforce shortages and the resultant burnout, and the pressure of lower reimbursement contracts. These dynamics have compelled healthcare providers and developers to seek more efficient, cost-effective care delivery models, all while balancing the need for capital investments against a backdrop of competing urgent priorities.
Thriving Through Change Contents Table
Today, the quest for operational efficiency and financial certainty is more critical than ever. Developments are increasingly focused on accelerating project delivery, enhancing connectivity, and fostering service coordination—all aimed at achieving a singular objective: delivering demonstrable value.
E-book on Medical Office Building (MOB) construction delves into how modern construction practices and innovative solutions are pivotal in addressing these complex
and so can their development partners.
paving
This
challenges,
the way for a future where these critical healthcare facilities can thrive
The Critical Role of MOBs 01 Understanding the Crucial Role MOBs Play in Modern Healthcare Advantages of Early Partnering 02 Collaborating and Engaging Stakeholders Early in the Design and Preconstruction Phase Complying with Regulatory Mandates 03 Ensuring Facility Development Regulations are Met Our Team’s Expertise 04 Transforming Healthcare Facilities with Cutting-Edge Solutions
Of
The Critical Role of MOBs
Outpatient medical office buildings (MOBs) play a crucial role in modern healthcare delivery. They serve as essential hubs for patient care, diagnostics, and treatment. There are several distinct requirements to consider, along with their impact on patient experiences during the development of a successful MOB.
Key Points:
• Understanding the shift towards distributed outpatient care.
• The role of MOBs in providing accessible and convenient healthcare services. Patient expectations and the need for patient-centric design.
Understanding the Shift Towards Outpatient Care:
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant shift in healthcare delivery from traditional inpatient settings (such as hospitals) to outpatient care.
Here’s why:
• Cost-Effectiveness: Outpatient care is often more cost-effective for both patients and healthcare systems. It reduces the need for lengthy hospital stays and associated expenses.
• Advancements in Medical Technology: Many medical procedures that previously required hospitalization can now be performed on an outpatient basis due to advancements in technology and minimally invasive techniques.
• Focus on Preventive Care: Outpatient settings allow for better preventive care, early diagnosis, and management of chronic conditions.
• Patient Preference: Patients prefer the convenience of outpatient services, as they can receive treatment without disrupting their daily lives.
01
The Role of MOBs in Providing Accessible and Convenient Healthcare Services:
Medical Office Buildings (MOBs) serve as essential hubs for outpatient care. Here’s how they contribute:
• Proximity: MOBs are strategically located in communities, making healthcare services easily accessible to patients.
• Comprehensive Services: MOBs house various medical specialties, diagnostic facilities, and outpatient procedures under one roof.
• Convenience: Patients can schedule appointments, receive treatments, and consult with healthcare providers conveniently in MOBs.
• Collaboration: MOBs foster collaboration among different healthcare professionals, promoting holistic patient care.
Outpatient care is here to stay, and MOBs play a pivotal role in meeting patient needs while maintaining efficiency and accessibility.
Understanding MOB development with patient-centric principles ensures a positive healthcare experience for all.
02 Advantages of Early Partnering
Successful MOB projects require collaboration between healthcare providers, architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Early partnering, emphasizing effective communication, shared goals, and interdisciplinary teamwork, often leads to high-performing teams and successful developments.
Key Topics:
• Engaging stakeholders early in the design & preconstruction phase.
• Coordinating with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff and why it’s critical.
Engaging Stakeholders Early in the Design & Preconstruction Phase:
Why It Matters: In successful MOB projects, involving stakeholders from the outset is crucial. Early engagement ensures that all relevant parties contribute their expertise and insights while feeling that they have a voice.
Who are the Stakeholders?
• Healthcare Providers: Physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who will use the facility.
• Administrative Staff: Those responsible for managing appointments, patient flow, and administrative processes.
• Architects and Engineers: Design professionals who shape the physical environment.
• Construction Professionals: Experts responsible for turning design concepts into reality.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Representatives for specific equipment housed in the MOBs who help coordinate proper infrastructure is included to support the machines.
collectively define project goals, needs, and constraints.
Holistic Understanding Stakeholders
Benefits of Early Engagement: Avoiding Pitfalls Identifying potential challenges early helps prevent costly revisions later. Informed Design-Making Stakeholders contribute to design choices, ensuring alignment with operational and/or programmatic requirements.
Coordinating with Physicians, Nurses, and Administrative Staff:
Why this is Critical for Physicians:
• Space Requirements: Understanding the specific needs of different medical specialties (e.g., exam rooms, consultation spaces, procedure rooms).
• Workflow Considerations: Coordinating layouts to optimize patient flow and physician efficiency.
Why this is Critical for Nurses & Administrative Staff:
• Patient Flow: Collaborating on waiting areas, check-in processes, and patient pathways.
• Accessibility: Ensuring ease of movement for patients, staff, and equipment.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Designing spaces that protect patient information.
Why this is Critical for Communication:
• Regular meetings and feedback loops foster understanding and address any emerging issues.
Successful MOB projects thrive on collaboration, effective communication, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders to create spaces that enhance patient care and well-being.
03
Complying with Regulatory Mandates
Compliance with Medical Office Building and Outpatient Facility development regulations is essential for any healthcare construction projectincluding safety codes, accessibility guidelines, and environmental considerations.
Compliance Topics:
• ADA Compliance: ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. For outpatient facilities, this means adhering to guidelines and building a facility that makes spaces navigable for people with mobility challenges, visual impairments, or other disabilities.
• Fire Safety and Emergency Egress: Outpatient facilities prioritize fire safety to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors. This involves ensuring clearly marked fire exits, emergency lighting for power outages, well-maintained fire alarms and sprinklers, regular evacuation drills, and the use of fireresistant construction materials, where required.
• Infection Control Measures: In healthcare settings, infection control is critical. During construction, it’s essential to consider factors such as hand hygiene stations, isolation rooms, air filtration, surface materials, and proper waste disposal.
In healthcare construction, compliance with safety codes, accessibility guidelines, and infection control measures is crucial for any type of outpatient facility.
From a construction standpoint, the following critical aspects contribute the most to the successful construction of new MOB development:
1. Budget Certainty
Understand how to provide accurate cost estimates during preconstruction.
2. Modular Design
Leverage modular components for flexibility, scalability, and speed.
3. Utility Mapping
Ensure efficient utility distribution within MOBs.
4. Site Selection
Consider factors that might influence site choice for outpatient facilities.
5. MEP Systems Challenges
Addressing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing complexities early.
6. Sustainability Practices
Always consider integrating Eco-friendly features into MOB construction.
04
Our Team’s Expertise
Thomas Construction Group is deeply rooted in the healthcare sector. We believe in these healthcare organizations’ missions and strive to be good partners with our developer partners. When you work with Thomas, you get the benefit and strategic insight of a consultant with hands-on expertise in cutting-edge construction methodologies. Our approach integrates virtual design and construction, advanced prefabrication techniques, innovative technology solutions, comprehensive planning for phasing and logistics, and on-going value analyses.
Our ability to provide budget certainty, streamline processes, and deliver projects with speedto-market sets us apart. With the future in mind, we build and renovate MOB clinics, imaging centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and behavioral health facilities to adapt to the needs of our growing communities.
This e-book is a testament to our capabilities in healthcare construction and an open invitation to explore a partnership.
Always Building
Get in Touch
Phone: 910.799.2295
Website: ThomasConstructionGroup.com
Location: 1022 Ashes Drive, Suite 200, Wilmington, NC 28405
Note: This e-book is a collaborative effort, combining industry expertise and practical insights. It aims to guide developers, architects, healthcare professionals, and construction teams toward successful outpatient MOB development projects.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this e-book is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers should consult relevant experts and regulations for specific project requirements.
