As retail consumer demands have shifted towards increased convenience and choice, the subsequent reduction in the need for brick and mortar retail outlets coincides with an increased need for outpatient healthcare services. The availability of these existing commercial properties presents an opportunity to healthcare organizations looking to expand service areas and shift many types of ambulatory care away from the expensive, critical-care hospital setting to outpatient facilities designed specifically to suit this type of care.
This guide addresses engineering challenges associated with retrofitting retail buildings and spaces for an ambulatory occupancy and discusses best practices and lessons learned for successful project outcomes. Initial building assessment, equipment re-use, life-safety and code requirements, and integration of critical and specialized systems will be explored.
This guide will enable readers to:
Understand the critical success factors for implementing healthcare in non-institutional settings.
Understand the key needs for assessment in real estate and site selection.
Understand strategies for implementing appropriate building infrastructure and for planning of projects.
Understand the operational impacts to organization and users for these facility types.
Understand the infrastructure and building system impacts on lease agreements, as well as other project and design team partners (architect, owner, OPM, contractor)
Understand the importance of business plan and ROI for the program and matching to organizational strategy.