This week, approximately 20 people from across the medical group--physicians, administrators, and leaders--came together to start designing our future medical office buildings. 

The goal for the meeting was to develop a flexible, yet standardized building design that can best meet the needs of patients and caregivers, whether we're remodeling or starting from the ground up. 

We looked at emerging health issues and requirements, discussed health challenges in the communities we serve, identified components that enable a practice to be both high-performing and provide a satisfying work experience. We studied best practices from healthcare systems such as Group Health Cooperative, Virginia Mason, and Poly Clinic.

Guided by leading architects in medical office design, Collins Woerman, and following practices for Lean and patient-centered care, we defined principles such as options for self-rooming, co-locating care teams, and high utilization of exam rooms. 

Many options were considered and we argued through key operational decisions, such as, "Will we have exam rooms with two doors--one for patients and one for caregivers?" and "Which ancillary services should be provided in the exam room?" 

What emerged is a contemporary design that will allow us to boldly leapfrog in delivering levels of care that our patients and communities need from us--ultimately serving our mission and supporting our values. 

In coming weeks, your network dyad leaders will have details to share as we think about future models of care and the need for facilities that will support them.

Thank you for all you do each day!

Kathleen