Healthcare Design - May 2024 - 9

ED ITO RIAL
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Hank Adams HDR
GETTING DIRECTION
Addressing transportation challenges in care
access can drive new site strategies while also
impacting health outcomes By Anne DiNardo
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, healthcare organizations
are investing in planning and design strategies that
aim to bring care closer to patients. Often, these efforts
go hand in hand with goals to address social
determinants of health (SDOH)-the nonmedical
factors that influence health outcomes-such as
access to healthcare services, economic stability,
housing, and education.
Transportation also falls under the SDOH umbrella.
One report from the American Hospital Association
states that 3.6 million people in the U.S. do
not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers, which can include lack
of vehicle access, long distances to needed services, or transportation costs.
Unreliable transportation and missed appointments can lead to less continuity
of care, decreased prescription fills, and more use of emergency services.
The report " Social Determinants of Health Series: Transportation and the
Role of Hospitals, " by the Health Research & Educational Trust, outlines the
case for hospitals and health systems to address transportation needs. The
guide notes that improving transportation benefits health outcomes, quality
of life, and cost savings for patients and health systems.
While some suggestions are a step in the right direction, such as providing direct
transportation services, free transit passes, or on-site bike sharing, more
comprehensive solutions should be considered, too. For example, we've heard
examples of organizations working with local agencies on transit planning initiatives
or integrating access to transportation on healthcare projects.
Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) illustrates such an
approach. Its newest Health & Wellness Center will be integrated into the redevelopment
of New Jersey's Metropark Station in Woodbridge, N.J., which
will also include retail, residential, office space, and dining. In this month's
Design Outlook column (on page 56), Jose Lozano, HMH's executive vice
president and chief growth officer, shares the thinking behind the strategy: " By
putting a Health & Wellness Center within a transit hub, we are offering a great
healthcare option for people whose main form of transportation is mass transit.
Also, as a hub on Amtrak's Northeast corridor, Metropark Station gives us
quick access to New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C. This will
serve as a powerful recruitment tool for HMH to continue to attract top talent
from the Northeast. "
Win-win ideas such as these can help change the face of healthcare by having
a positive impact on access and outcomes for all. I'd love to hear what new ideas
and strategies are inspiring you to deliver fresh takes to the industry's existing
problems. Drop me a line at anne.dinardo@emeraldx.com. 
Wayne Barger SMITHGROUP
Carolyn BaRoss PERKINS&WILL
Sam Burnette EARL SWENSSON ASSOCIATES
Sheila F. Cahnman JUMPGARDEN CONSULTING LLC
Gina Chang CO ARCHITECTS
James Crispino GENSLER
Mary Frazier EWINGCOLE
Jocelyn Lum Frederick HC TANGRAM DESIGN
Catherine L. Gow FRANCIS CAUFFMAN
Tushar Gupta PAGE
Natalie Miovski Hagerty
THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
Suzen L. Heeley
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER
Margi Kaminski CANNONDESIGN
Randy Keiser TURNER CONSTRUCTION CO.
Julie Kent TRINITY HEALTH
Eric Koffler NBBJ
Tiana Lemons ORCUTT/WINSLOW
Michael Lied GBBN ARCHITECTS
Mike McKay UW HEALTH
Victoria Navarro ADVENTHEALTH
Solvei Neiger ZGF
Diane R.K. Osan CANNONDESIGN
Chris Powers BAKER BARRIOS
Scott Rawlings HOK
Betsy Sanchez HCA HEALTHCARE
Jason Schroer HKS INC.
Kurt Spiering FLAD ARCHITECTS
Steve Stokes GRESHAM SMITH
Jeff Sudman E4H ARCHITECTURE
Joshua A. Theodore LEO A DALY
Anthony Treu SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL
Travis Tyson CLEVELAND CLINIC
Gary L. Vance VANCE CONSULTING
Roderic Walton MOODY NOLAN
MAY 202 4
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Healthcare Design - May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Design - May 2024
