CREJ

April 2018 — Health Care Properties Quarterly — Page 13 www.crej.com EKS&H provides five-star service and an unmatched client experience. To help you improve business outcomes and enhance stakeholder value, our real estate practice includes industry-specific audit, tax, technology, and consulting solutions. To learn more, please contact RJ McArthur at rmcarthur@eksh.com or 303.740.9400. www.eksh.com T he concept of the ambula- tory network of the future encapsulates our under- standing of how health care systems can thrive in the coming health care environment. It is a strategic planning model that accounts for the deep trends now reshaping the health care industry. Planning an ambulatory care network can be highly challenging, particularly if ambulatory data is lacking. While supply and demand data are available, many providers lack experience and perspective to use these data tools and scenario planning to effectively optimize their networks. Many health sys- tems use claims data and ethno- graphic/market segmentation to compile the demand and supply picture for their markets. However, there is signifi- cantly more infor- mation that can be used to deter- mine the right locations and final space program requirements for ambulatory care networks. Critical to ambulatory care networks of the future is an understanding of retail consumer patterns, which can be pinpointed by socioeconomic patterns, geographic studies and real estate factors, the findings of which will drive the site optimi- zation strategy. Emerging analyti- cal models use a process based on unique retail models and demo- graphic data that extends beyond the city, county and ZIP code and drill down to resi- dential addresses. Other relevant data also can be layered into the model – appointment data, claims data, service line trends, network planning activities such as pro- graming and master planning – to sharpen forecasts, control capi- tal and operational costs, elevate access and optimize population health management in an ambula- tory setting. Our firm bundles those findings to create collaboration hubs we call “Buildings for Life.” As the name implies, Buildings for Life is a design strategy focused on improv- ing the quality of the caregiver experience and overall patient care in highly functional, adaptable and collaborative “triple-use” health, education and research environ- ments. While improving the quality of ambulatory health outcomes, Buildings for Life also is a practical, cost-effective facilities develop- ment model. Coupled with findings from sophisticated analytics and best practices, the results are win/ win/win: operational efficiencies, improved care and multiuse work spaces adaptable to ever-changing needs. Armed with more than a quarter century of experience, we also have provided industry leading planning processes that meld technology, best practices in ambulatory plan- ning, expert consultancy and state- of-the-art predictive analytics tools that accurately forecast demand supply outcomes. These tools also factor in overall system services and existing facility evaluations to truly “right-size” locations and facilities, including repurposing existing facilities, and to provide a complete and reliable picture of what the ambulatory network of the future should look like for regions, cities and local commu- nities on a case-by-case basis. Next-generation solutions include the ability to update sophisticated retail-based models with cloud- based applications coupled with template standards and industry best practices. While seemingly complex and intricate, planning the ambulatory care network of the future does not have to be overwhelming if the right tools are brought to bear on the key questions of “where,” “when” and “how big?” and “what is our likelihood of success?” Com- bined with the Buildings for Life design concepts, health systems derive even greater benefits from real estate assets that can meet more than a single purpose to improve efficiency and outcomes. s What is shaping ambulatory networks of the future? Developer Insights Chris Kay President and chief operating officer, Hammes Co. Rex Holloway Regional vice president, Hammes Co. Critical to ambulatory care networks of the future is an understanding of retail consumer patterns, which can be pinpointed by socioeconomic patterns, geographic studies and real estate factors, the findings of which will drive the site optimization strategy.