Natural Design Elements, Digital Technology and "Paperless" Environment Represent Next Generation Hospital   

DUBLIN, Ohio - OhioHealth opened the doors of Dublin Methodist Hospital this morning at 7 a.m. sharp to begin caring for patients in Dublin and surrounding communities in northwest central Ohio. Dublin Methodist, the first new, full-service hospital to be built in central Ohio since 1984, boasts an innovative, patient-centered design, state-of-the-art technology, and near-paperless environment, one of the first in the country to do so.

"This is a truly different hospital," said Cheryl Herbert, RN, president of Dublin Methodist Hospital. "The internal and external environments have been designed to break down the fear and intimidation of a hospital visit by using a less institutional feel. The layout makes sense so visitors and patients feel like everything is in the right place without feeling impersonal. And the technology for clinical applications, communications and administrative activities is second to none. We are thrilled about how well the people-friendly design and the most advanced technology available have come together here in Dublin."

The Technology 
"This is not just a few extra products to reduce paperwork, but a full digital infrastructure," said Mrunal Shah, MD, vice president of Physician Services for Dublin Methodist Hospital. "The most important part is that everything is clinically integrated so we can easily find the information we need. The connectivity allows doctors to treat patients in the hospital, in their office or at home, and allows the clinician to spend more time with the patient." 

Technological innovations being utilized at Dublin Methodist include:                                                     

• Electronic medical record - Dublin Methodist will utilize a completely electronic medical record system. Caregivers can chart patient care at the bedside and check to see what was done on the previous shift.
• Surgical management system aids in automating operating room processes
• RelayHealth network, an electronic system for processing patient bills and insurance claims enables patients to review their statements and manage their accounts online
• Easy online access for healthcare staff to patient information when and where it is needed at the point of care
• Computerized physician order entry system supports doctors as they make decisions and place patient orders
• Bar-code scanning technology - nurses will scan patients arm bracelet IDs so bar-coded medications can be scanned and compared, ensuring they get the right dose of the right medication, at the right time, following the right route
• eCare Mobile - a mobile, computer-camera device on wheels that will allow caregivers in OhioHealth's eICU to work with the nurses and doctors at the bedside.
• VOCERA - Wireless communication that eliminates disruptive overhead paging
• ePrescribing - physicians can write and send prescriptions wirelessly from a handheld device eliminating legibility issues
• Tracking boards in the Emergency Department advise caregivers of patient status, leading to greater efficiency and shorter wait times
• Centralized scheduling system enables more efficient use of equipment, staff time and facilities

"Dublin Methodist Hospital is the future of healthcare happening right in front of us," said Thomas Harmon, MD, medical staff president for Dublin Methodist Hospital.  "The design and technology are focused on improving patient care at every level. This is not technology for technology's sake - it is making us better doctors."

"A very significant by-product of our use of digital technology will be a dramatic reduction of paper," said Herbert. "In fact, the only paperwork patients will see are printed discharge instructions and consent forms that they have to sign, and we're even working on electronic versions of both of those as well. Think how many trees we'll be saving."

Design - "The Pebble Project"
Dublin Methodist is one of 53 members of the Pebble Project, a joint research effort between The Center for Health Design, a non-profit research and advocacy organization, and forward thinking healthcare providers. The purpose of their work is to improve the quality of patient care, the quality of work life, the financial efficiency of an institution and to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based design and research.

"There is solid and growing evidence," said Herbert, "that creating healthcare environments centered around the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients positively impacts the natural healing process. Much of that evidence-based information has come to us through our association with the Pebble Project."

Some of the patient and caregiver-friendly concepts incorporated into Dublin Methodist include:                   

• All private rooms - big enough for patients, families and caregivers. Private rooms reduce stress, reduce the chance of infection and improve confidentiality.
• Acuity adaptable rooms - every room can be converted to any level of care so the patient doesn't have to move.
• Like-handed rooms - all rooms are designed and laid out exactly the same way. What's on the left in one room will be on the left in the next room, reducing patient care errors.
• No restrictions on family visiting hours
• Pull-out sofa beds for guests who stay overnight
• Greeters and kiosk registration simplify the check-in procedure.
• Interior courtyards allow natural light to reach nearly 90 percent of all spaces.
• Rooftop gardens allow you to "step away" from the hospital environment for a moment.
• Windows in patient rooms partially open for fresh air.
• No basement in the facility so employees will not be "underground" during their shift.
• Staff work stations are decentralized and open to bring caregivers closer to their patients.
• Large waiting areas with comfortable seating and outdoor views
• Waterfall and trees in lobby
• Natural materials wherever possible and natural color schemes for paint and furniture

"Dublin Methodist is leading the way for the next generation of hospitals," said Herbert. "From patient comfort, to efficiency to clinical excellence, we believe we have gone further in the execution of evidence-based design than most healthcare facilities in the country. We are proud to be bringing this level of innovation to our community and feel that it will help us fulfill our mission of improving the health of those we serve."

Fast Facts About Dublin Methodist Hospital
Located on an 89-acre campus in Dublin at Route 33/161 and Avery-Muirfield Road, the 325,000-square-foot, 94-bed hospital is expandable to 300 rooms if demand increases in the rapidly growing northwest corner of central Ohio. The population of the city of Dublin alone grew 325 percent between 1980 and 1990 and more than doubled between 1990 and 2007.  Dublin's population is projected to grow at a rate of 5.9 percent in the next five years. The $150 million hospital was designed by Karlsberger and built by Elford/Gilbane Building Company.

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