Taking a Closer Look at the Physical Environment

Jul 12, 2016 2:15pm ‐ Jul 12, 2016 3:30pm

Identification: 1411

Credits: None available.

This second session on the Joint Commission focused on changes to the Elements of Performance (EP) of the Life Safety Chapter and the Environment of Care Chapters. This includes current deletions now in effect and proposed EPs based on the recent adoption of the 2012 Life Safety Code®. Also, the session includes a review of the top 5 findings during survey and the Joint Commission Physical Environment Portal.


Learning Objectives:

  • Identify survey scoring changes
  • Understand new report content and format
  • Understand SOC updates, changes to content, and staff responsibilities
  • Identify impacts to Life Safety Chapter scoring and deficiency management based on SOC changes



Sterile Processing Department Design and HVAC Considerations

Jul 12, 2016 2:15pm ‐ Jul 12, 2016 3:30pm

Identification: 1315

Credits: None available.

Many health care systems are considering new or remodeled facilities to better meet the challenges of the changing environment. The built environments of perioperative services are among the most sophisticated and interrelated in health care. Open and clear communication by all stakeholders is critical to support a culture of safety. Even the best of perioperative design architects and engineers need the input of point-of-service providers, especially perioperative nurses, to provide specific users' perspectives. This presentation incorporates the perspectives of a facility manager, a design engineer, and a perioperative nurse.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss perioperative nurses- perspectives about what architects and engineers need to know.
  • Describe the extent to which each profession's perspectives are addressed in the most recent AORN and FGI Guidelines.
  • Describe design engineers' perspectives as they approach initial planning of perioperative environments.
  • Identify the latest ventilation requirements and the Joint HVAC Task Force's recommendations on compliance.

Calibrate Your Tissue Box: A Practical Guide to ASHRAE Standard 170 Compliance

Jul 12, 2016 2:15pm ‐ Jul 12, 2016 3:30pm

Identification: 1287

Credits: None available.

Air pressure relationships are a trending topic in health care, both for regulatory surveys and patient well-being. This session will provide a practical understanding of how ASHRAE Standard 170 affects health care facility operation and design. Diagrams and illustrations will show how Standard 170 requirements take shape in a health care facility. Topics will include air pressure relationships, building systems, equipment location, and room functions, with special attention given to spaces where pressure requirements are particularly critical.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify how the language of Standard 170 applies to real-life scenarios in health care facilities.
  • Take practical steps to verify compliance with Standard 170 and be prepared for surveyors performing tissue tests.
  • Describe the impact room names can have on the design, operation, and compliance of spaces.
  • Explain to leadership or clients the steps necessary to achieve and/or maintain room pressures.

Take Control of Your Destiny

Jul 12, 2016 2:15pm ‐ Jul 12, 2016 3:30pm

Identification: 1360

Credits: None available.

Getting involved in today's health care environment–with mergers and acquisitions, federal mandates, and new modalities of health care delivery–it is easy to see others as determining your fate. But you can take control of your destiny by getting involved beyond your organization, leading proactively, creating patient-centered approaches, advocating for yourself, and avoiding reflexive, defensive actions. This session included tips on how to gain support from leadership on getting involved with efforts such as code development meetings or conferences. This session also covers how you can elevate your role in your organization govern your future on your terms.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a plan to educate your leaders about the advocacy process and the return on investment of being involved in the process.
  • Promote yourself and your team to elevate your role in the health care field.
  • Develop productivity and efficiency projects with your team.
  • Produce an annual report for your leaders to highlight the value you provide.

Managing the Risks of Waterborne Pathogens in Building Water Systems

Jul 12, 2016 2:15pm ‐ Jul 12, 2016 3:30pm

Identification: 1401

Credits: None available.

Heightened awareness of the risks of waterborne pathogens in health care building water systems has resulted in many health care professionals looking to better understand and mitigate these risks. This session provides an overview of infection risks associated with waterborne pathogens as well as conditions that support pathogen amplification in water systems. The session will give an overview of ASHRAE 188 and explore management and mitigation tools..

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify at least two infectious pathogens associated with building water systems
  • Describe conditions which can contribute to growth and amplification of pathogens in building water systems.
  • Discuss ASHRAE 188 at a high level.
  • Explain how the use of tools presented for assessing water risk may be used within the learner's facility or business.

Just Ask ASHE

Jul 13, 2016 7:45am ‐ Jul 13, 2016 9:00am

Identification: 1427

Credits: None available.

In this session, ASHE's codes and standards experts will discuss emerging codes and standards issues facing health care facilities and offer answers to your specific questions. Attendees are invited to ask questions about any of the codes and standards related to health care facilities before this session and turn them in to the Learning Lounge that will be located on-site near registration. NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code® will be addressed.


What Every Parking Garage Owner Should Know to Protect Its Investment

Jul 13, 2016 9:10am ‐ Jul 13, 2016 10:10am

Identification: 1250

Credits: None available.

Did you know that the average repair cost per parking space is $2,748? Parking garages play an important role at a health care facility. What impression is yours giving to visitors? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of parking garage management, and learn to recognize the early signs of distress that could be resolved with maintenance or minor repairs before they become major issues. Case studies will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify ways to eliminate safety issues.
  • Minimize emergency and costly repairs.
  • Improve aesthetics of your parking garage.
  • Access methods to protect your investment.

The Bariatric ACE Challenge - Architectural, Clinical, and Ergonomic Challenges to Room Design

Jul 13, 2016 9:10am ‐ Jul 13, 2016 10:10am

Identification: 1314

Credits: None available.

When designing for the bariatric patient, the architectural design must consider the clinical needs of the patient and the ergonomic design requirements of the caregiver. This presentation explores the process taken by a multi-disciplinary team including architects, clinical practitioners, and ergonomists in making recommendations for bariatric room design in acute care projects. The team simulated clinical care tasks in a reconfigurable mock up patient room with bariatric equipment to determine recommended clear space for bariatric room design.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe how use of a simulation lab facilitates generation of room design space recommendations.
  • Explain how CDC bariatric prevalence data projections assist in determining future bariatric space needs and readiness.
  • Examine the required patient room clear spaces necessary using overhead lifts and floor-based lifts while performing a bed-to-wheelchair transfer of a bariatric patient.
  • Describe ergonomic strategies to mitigate risks from patient handling and mobility tasks when caring for bariatric patients

Lessons Learned: Managing Construction Risks and Operating Costs Associated with Curtain Wall Systems

Jul 13, 2016 9:10am ‐ Jul 13, 2016 10:10am

Identification: 1259

Credits: None available.

The curtain wall industry has undergone significant restructuring during the past decades. This session addresses the state of the industry in 2016, the challenges faced by designers and constructors in employing this building envelope system, the potential effect on long-term building operating costs and on indoor air quality, and best practices for mitigating those risks. Practical insights and useful information will be presented from successful projects and from claim scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the changes that have affected the curtain wall industry in the past few years.
  • Explain how these changes have the potential to delay and to increase project costs during the construction phase.
  • Explain how these changes have the potential to increase operating costs during the building life cycle.
  • Describe measures to reduce the risks and costs associated with curtain wall installations during the project and building life cycles.

Facility Operations in the Scheme of the Facility: Tools for the In-House Model

Jul 13, 2016 9:10am ‐ Jul 13, 2016 10:10am

Identification: 1282

Credits: None available.

Facilities departments are often being required to maintain or improve the high quality of work with reduced budgets. This presentation will guide you in developing a finite cost-reduction and in-house strategy, demonstrate the steps to take to build on your program, and supply the necessary data to drive decision making to accommodate reductions and maximize the value and return provided by your department.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a finite strategy with efficiency for cost reduction and an in-house model.
  • Examine the effects of accepting a capital item as an operating expense and identify how to normalize costs.
  • Define capital and how it works within your program.
  • Identify ways to reduce costs without reducing staff and while investing in the aesthetics of your facility.