Page 13 - Campus Security & Life Safety, July/August 2021

intelligent keys. Intelligent keys are an ideal way to enhance the secu- rity of existing hardware to include powerful scheduling and account- ability. Simply replace the existing mechanical cylinder with an ecyl- inder – no hard wiring or power supply required. Intelligent keys not only provide access control, but can also help achieve compliance and deliver data analytics, audits, and reporting.
Healthcare facilities can also benefit from increased visibility into the specific location of facility assets, such as equipment and beds, as well as clinicians and staff using real-time location systems. Using data-driven analytics generated from real-time location systems (RTLS), these systems optimize clinician accountability, patient throughput and asset management.
Designing the Physical Environment to Aid Healing
Gone are the days of purely clinical healthcare facilities as patients, staff and visitors expect warm and welcoming environments. Accord- ing to the Center for Health Design, evidence-based design has prov- en that positive (or “healing”) patient environments can positively influence a patient’s sense of well-being and even reduce anxiety or pain. Studies have shown that a restorative environment will improve a healthcare organization’s clinical outcomes, economic performance, productivity, and patient and staff satisfaction.
So how can doors and hardware contribute to the healing environ- ment? Sterile hallways and minimal patient rooms are now being replaced with purposefully designed facilities featuring elegant spe- cialty doors with high-definition embossed panels, wood grain pat- terns, and stainless steel finishes. When coupled with coordinated hardware suites with door levers, pulls, doorstops, coat hooks, hinges, and trim, these openings create a holistic atmosphere where function meets form and beautiful doors and hardware can now deliver secu- rity and meet building requirements—without sacrificing design.
Studies have also shown that color can actually improve or impair our ability to focus, learn, behave, and heal within an architectural environment. Color improves visual memory and affects our sense of well-being and quality of life. Whether deployed on doors, frames or
hardware, color can contribute to the built environment by helping us find our way and enhancing our experience in a space.
As an example, colored doors, frames and hardware can be deployed to aid wayfinding and navigation in hospitals and healthcare facilities to create visually distinctive “landmarks” and to emphasize navigable pathways. “Color-coding” can enhance navigation in ways that signage and other informational wayfinding elements cannot.
Optimizing occupant comfort goes beyond just an aesthetically pleasing door. In hospitals, excessive noise can make it difficult for patients to rest and is distracting for staff. Peace and quiet are hall- marks of a restorative environment. Sound Transmission Class (STC)-rated doorways on patient rooms block the noise that accom- panies the hustle and bustle of a hospital hallway. Doorway assem- blies that achieve high sound transmission-control ratings make it easier and more affordable than ever to implement STC measures.
Lastly, don’t overlook the benefits of daylighting. Many healthcare facilities are incorporating more glass features into patient rooms, recovery areas, recreational areas and work spaces in order to improve patient experience, reduce recovery time, and promote a healthier work environment for employees. The proper door openings can secure these spaces while maintaining the integrity of the glass design and aesthetics.
As you begin to rethink the aesthetics of your doors and hardware, the types of security and access control you need to protect people, assets, and data and how to further mitigate germ transmission – keep in mind your patients, staff and visitors. The knowledge and experience of your healthcare staff, taken together with patient sur- vey data, can be used to help make a site-specific upgrade plan.
The opportunities to enhance the safety, security, efficiency, and overall experience of your spaces by upgrading your doors and hard- ware are endless and there are creative approaches and innovative solutions for all budgets and timelines.
Tom Morgan is the director of business development – Healthcare, at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas.
The Leading Safety, Security and Emergency Management Solution
Safety EverywhereTM
Protection for your people, wherever you have a duty of care, providing a consistent way to call for help.
Real-Time Coordination & Response
Organizations are empowered to respond faster and more effectively to incidents of any scale.
Operational Insights
Streamline operations and enable post-incident learnings to continuously improve team performance.
Unified Solution
One solution to address all of your safety, security, wellbeing, and emergency management needs across your entire organization.
criticalarc.com/request-a-demo
Untitled-7 1
JULY/AUGUST | 2021 campuslifesecurity.com 13 6/17/21 10:50 AM