Exploring Innovation: Lessons Learned from ASHE's Healthcare Innovation Conference

(9/6/2024)

Critical components of excellence in healthcare facilities management include constant learning, challenging conventional practices, and adapting solutions to match evolving conditions. One way we nurture these practices is by seeking out new perspectives from peers across the industry. 

Critical components of excellence in healthcare facilities management include constant learning, challenging conventional practices, and adapting solutions to match evolving conditions. One way we nurture these practices is by seeking out new perspectives from peers across the industry. Last month, Medxcel leaders sought to do that by participating in the Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference, hosted by the American Society for Health Care Engineering  (ASHE) —as attendees, panelists, and presenters.
 
Brandon Quigley (National Director, Operations) presented on “AI-Powered Compliance: Regulatory Revolution with Chat Bots”, Andrew Fairbank (Energy Project Manager) presented on “Integrating MT, IT, and OT: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Real-time Monitoring for Compliance,” and Mike Wood (Vice President, Planning, Design, and Construction) took part in an expert panel discussion titled “How to Successfully Communicate Facility Growth Strategic Planning to the C-suite”. 
 
We sat down with the trio to learn what they gleaned from the conference, and insights that can benefit fellow healthcare facilities management leaders. 

Can you provide readers with some valuable takeaways from your presentation or panel participation?    

Brandon: In my presentation, I emphasized AI’s transformative potential in regulatory compliance, specifically how AI can provide real-time answers to regulatory queries, generate accurate daily compliance checklists, and even be taught nuances of local codes across different jurisdictions. I wanted to ignite curiosity and engagement for AI, even among novice users or those who might be hesitant. One of the analogies I had heard and wanted to share with the ASHE audience was comparing AI adoption to introducing the tractor in agriculture; just as the tractor revolutionized farming, AI can revolutionize any field or industry, including healthcare facilities management, especially when we consider the opportunities to educate the next generation on codes and regulation standards, streamline processes, and improve accurate adoption. All this was aimed to inspire others in our field to think creatively about AI applications and embrace a “why not us” mindset.
 
Andrew:  We presented on how multiple technologies integrate into healthcare facilities to enhance operational efficiency and achieve energy cost reductions across critical components within the facility, and ways to increase transparency for compliance. There is a high value in real-time data, which allows for quick response times, detailed building analytics, and ultimately supports the patients’ environment of care.
 
Mike: The questions were insightful, and assisted us, as panelists, to understand what information was most valued by the audience. One topic on everyone’s mind is how systems are addressing speed to market requests from the Boardroom. Another is how the healthcare facilities profession can address the rapidly aging facilities portfolio and associated costs. A large percentage of the U.S. healthcare facilities portfolio is actually being used beyond its intended useful life. The generations of updated maintenance and “temporary” repairs to extend the useful lives are failing, and the decision to replace these buildings is imminent as an entire system, not just in the case of a few at a time.

What did you learn at the conference and what made you excited about the future of our industry?    

Brandon: 

• I learned more about ASHE’s efforts in rebranding the conference. They leaned heavily into innovation, which gave the conference a different, more engaging feel. This new direction was noticeable and inspiring, and I hope they continue to make efforts in that direction.
• There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency in healthcare facilities and it’s crucial for us to address how to integrate these principles in our operations to reduce our environmental footprint.
• Building strong networks with peers and industry leaders is essential for sharing knowledge and best practices, which can drive innovation and continuous improvement in our field.

Andrew:  

• You are always encouraged to share your experiences. It’s amazing how this can instill confidence, generate new ideas, and even spark meaningful conversations with other facility management professionals. It really reinforces the value of collaboration and open dialogue in driving innovation and improvement.
• I learned that many of us in the industry are facing the same opportunities and challenges, and conferences like this give us the opportunities to share information and collaborate as we work to tackle them together.

Mike:

• There is tremendous value in sharing information, experiences, and “been there, done that” at these events. Those conversations always help us gauge whether we are taking the latest pieces of information, acting upon those, and embracing change for our organization. 
• Collaborating as an industry sums up to greater levels of efficiency for each member of the collective healthcare team when we share our experiences: what to focus on, and what to avoid when possible. 
• AI is here and present; learn it now! 
• Each health system is in a similar state of financial challenge and our duty is to respond with critical thinking, action, and data-based decision making. 
• We rarely act alone in a silo. Each of us is experiencing a new level of collaboration — internally with our clinical teams and externally with our service partners. Listen, learn, apply, repeat.