Key Takeaways

• OhioHealth’s Pickerington Methodist Hospital features 90 smart rooms designed for improved patient care.
• A multidisciplinary team focused on understanding stakeholders’ needs to create a more user-friendly environment.
• The implementation of smart technologies includes in-room TV systems, virtual nursing, and integrated communication tools.

Innovative Hospital Design at OhioHealth

In Columbus, Ohio, the recently opened Pickerington Methodist Hospital has integrated 90 smart rooms as part of a progressive design initiative by OhioHealth. The project, which began in 2021, involved a multidisciplinary team led by Tom Gutman, senior creative technologist, and Erika Braun, user experience adviser.

The team aimed to identify and solve key challenges affecting the hospital experience. Through surveys and discussions with various stakeholders—including patients, families, and healthcare staff—the team collected insights into current inefficiencies. Braun emphasized the necessity of addressing issues like throughput, staffing, and access while ensuring patients feel valued rather than just treated as numbers.

The brainstorming resulted in pivotal design principles that emphasized personalized care, improved efficiencies for clinical staff, and enhanced communication among all parties involved.

After creating and testing multiple solutions in a mock hospital setting, the team developed an interconnected smart ecosystem. This comprehensive setup incorporates a range of technology, including:
– In-room smart TVs for patient engagement
– Digital whiteboards for real-time information sharing
– Virtual nursing and a sophisticated nurse call system that enhances overall communication.

One standout feature allows healthcare staff to wear connected badges, which dynamically display their names and credentials when they enter the patient’s room, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust. The TVs then transition to provide relevant clinical information about the patient’s care.

By 2025, OhioHealth completed an additional 26 smart rooms in one of its older facilities, reiterating its commitment to upgrading the patient experience. Gutman noted the importance of integrating smart technologies like digital whiteboards and door signage into these newer rooms, stating that positive feedback has guided their next steps. The team is currently evaluating areas in need of smart functionalities, prioritizing hospitals based on both physical requirements and specific patient and staff needs.

Overall, OhioHealth’s innovative approach demonstrates a significant investment in technology and patient-centered design, paving the way for future advancements in healthcare environments.

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