Blog Contribution by NIHD Board Member Stacy Mockridge, RN, MSN, Healthcare Planner and Clinical Operations Specialist @ Progressive ae.
In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, the design of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) plays a critical role in ensuring not only the safety and efficiency of care but also compliance with stringent accreditation guidelines. Navigating the complexities of standards set by accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (Quad A), The Joint Commission, and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be daunting for healthcare providers. Effective healthcare design can alleviate this burden, ensuring that ASCs meet and exceed these requirements seamlessly.
Photo shared with permission from Progressive Companies.
Understanding Accreditation Standards
The first step in designing ASCs that meet accreditation is a comprehensive understanding of what each accrediting body requires. While there are overlaps, each organization has unique criteria focused on different aspects of patient safety, care quality, and operational efficiency. For instance:
AAAHC emphasizes patient rights, infection control, and quality improvement.
Quad A focuses on safety, equipment standards, and emergency preparedness.
The Joint Commission requires stringent adherence to performance standards, patient care, and medication management.
CMS sets forth guidelines for health and safety, which are mandatory for facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.
Visualization of all post operative bays from teamwork area.
Photo shared with permission from Progressive Companies.
Integrating Compliance into Design
Effective healthcare design integrates these compliance requirements from the outset, rather than retrofitting solutions later. This proactive approach can be broken down into several key strategies:
Safety and Infection Control: Designing for safety involves meticulous attention to infection control protocols. This includes materials selection (e.g., antimicrobial surfaces), airflow management (e.g., HEPA filtration systems), and layout configurations that minimize contamination risks. Incorporating features like handwashing stations and touchless technology further enhances compliance.
Patient-Centered Design: Accreditation bodies prioritize patient rights and comfort. This means creating environments that promote privacy, reduce stress, and enhance the overall patient experience. Design elements such as private pre-op and post-op areas, soothing color schemes, and natural lighting can significantly contribute to patient well-being and satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency: Efficient workflows are crucial for meeting accreditation standards and ensuring high-quality care. This involves designing spaces that facilitate smooth patient flow, reduce bottlenecks, and enable staff to perform their duties effectively. Elements such as strategically placed nurse stations, clear signage, and easily accessible supply areas can optimize operations.
Emergency Preparedness: Accrediting bodies require robust emergency preparedness plans. Design considerations include ensuring clear evacuation routes, integrating emergency power systems, and creating spaces that can be quickly adapted for emergency use. Regular drills and staff training should be supported by the physical layout of the facility.
Technology Integration: Modern ASCs rely heavily on technology for everything from patient records to surgical equipment. Ensuring that the design accommodates current and future technological needs is essential. This includes infrastructure for electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine capabilities, and state of the art surgical suites.
Taking the Burden Off the Client
For healthcare providers, the primary focus should be delivering exceptional patient care, not navigating the labyrinth of accreditation requirements. This is where specialized healthcare designers come in taking the burden off the client by:
Conducting Comprehensive Needs Assessments: Understanding the unique needs and challenges of each facility.
Staying Current with Standards: Keeping up to date with changes to accreditation standards and regulations.
Collaborating with Stakeholders: Working closely with healthcare providers, administrators, and accrediting bodies to ensure all requirements are met.
Providing Turnkey Solutions: Offering end-to-end design solutions that encompass planning, design, construction, and post-occupancy evaluations.