March 2014
Page 5
Wil l ia m P. Cl em ents Jr. U n iver s it y H ospi tal
Progress Update – First in an Ongoing Series
New Clements University Hospital to Redefine Patient Experience
Facility Combines Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration
In late 2014, UT Southwestern’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital will open its doors, transforming medical care in North
Texas and serving as a model for academic medical centers across
the country.
“Our vision is to provide the very best patient care possible, and
to do so while training the next generation of caregivers and conducting research that addresses some of the most important challenges in medical science,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of
UT Southwestern Medical Center.
To that end, every aspect of the new hospital has been carefully
considered. “We’re bringing together innovative hospital design,
state-of-the-art technology, and industry best practices to create an environment that seamlessly integrates patient care with
leading-edge research and medical education. Everything we’ve
done, and every decision we’ve made, has been to better serve
our patients,” Dr. Podolsky said.
Construction of the hospital is now more than 80 percent complete. Here, Center Times provides a preview of what the new hospital will offer and how all the elements come together to serve
patients and their families.
From Vision to Reality – Bringing Together Best Practices and New Ideas
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The
hospital began with “a vision of what a patient-centered academic medical facility should offer,” said Dr.
John Warner, Vice President and CEO for UT Southwestern University Hospitals.
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he vision grew from the work of a UT Southwestern planning team that gathered input from patients, careT
givers, faculty, and researchers.
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he team visited respected hospitals around the country to identify best practices. And work groups focused
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on specific aspects of hospital operation and developed innovative approaches to enhance patient care.
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The
architects for the facility also participated in the planning process and incorporated the best insights and
ideas into the hospital’s design.
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he result will be a 12-floor, 460-bed hospital that moves UT Southwestern toward its goal of being among the
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nation’s top academic medical centers.
Design Promotes Care, Quality, and Collaboration
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A unique feature of the hospital will be its W-shaped design. A response to input from UT Southwestern nurses,
The William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital is meticulously designed based on
input from a dedicated planning team of physicians, nurses, institutional leaders,
and community supporters.
the design enables caregivers to maintain closer interaction with patients and have better sight lines into each
patient’s room.
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For staff, the design minimizes distances that must be covered to perform routine duties. And the design makes
it easier for patients, staff, and visitors to navigate the facility.
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The
design helps protect patients from infections and exposure, since most materials will be moved directly
from supply elevators to storage areas – bypassing patient hallways and creating a cleaner, quieter environment.
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A filtered air system and dedicated trash and linen chutes, which remove items quickly from the building, also
contribute to a healthier environment.
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The
design promotes collaboration by co-locating related medical specialties on certain floors, allowing caregivers to easily consult on cases. There also will be designated areas for doctors and residents to confer, and for
clinical research to take place.
The Power of Technology
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Secure
mobile devices will enable physicians and nurses to maintain, track, and share up-to-date electronic
medical records.
The hospital’s W-shaped design is distinctive and functional. Dispersed workstations will place nurses in close proximity to their patients; research areas on each
patient floor will integrate clinicians and scientists into patient care teams; and
teaching spaces will provide areas for health care teams to collaborate.
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RFIDs
(radio-frequency identification devices) and bar coding of equipment and medications will promote
proper tracking and administration – reducing the potential for errors.
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In patient rooms, monitors will enable caregivers and patients to review charts and images (such as X-rays, CT
scans, and MRIs) at the bedside.
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Videoconferencing
capability – one of the most innovative features – allows patients to stay connected with
their caregiving team, family, and friends.
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Surgeons also will have videoconferencing capability in operating rooms, enabling real-time discussions with
pathologists and other colleagues during surgery.
Amenities Promote Healing and Comfort
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Patient
rooms will be spacious and private, with large windows that bring in natural light.
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Patients
will have more control over their space, with controls for calling for assistance, as well as for Wi-Fi,
TV, lighting, drapes, and temperature, easily accessible from their bed.
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Restaurant-quality
food will be available around the clock, with the patient’s dietary restrictions already factored into the menu options.
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I ndoors, original artwork will enhance the atmosphere, while beautiful outdoor gardens will serve as a sanctuary, while still allowing patients to be carefully monitored.
atient rooms will have ergonomically designed sleeper sofas, allowing family members to stay comfortably
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overnight.
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A Patient
Information Center with kiosks will help patients, friends, and family understand diseases, diagnoses, treatment options, and clinical trials.
In-room monitors will allow patients and caregivers to review charts and images
such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Video­conferencing will allow patients to stay
connected with their caregiving team, family, and friends.
■
Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris
and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.
Dr. Warner holds the Jim and Norma Smith Distinguished Chair for
Interventional Cardiology, and the Audre and Bernard Rapoport Chair
in Cardiovascular Research.