Looking into the Future with Healthcare AV Trends and Design

The New Year is nothing if not everyone’s favorite reason to review where we’ve been and where we still can go. As 2020 comes into view, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of our favorite projects this year and set our sights on emerging healthcare technology trends that are worth considering for your next project. Here’s a peek at healthcare AV trends and other audio visual industry trends that deserve a look. 

Our Top Projects of 2019: All About the Human Experience

This past year, we rebranded from D&L Communications to PIVIUM, and refreshed our focus. Along these lines, the most recent projects we’re most proud of all had one commonality: they helped enrich patients’ and residents’ experiences. Here are a few highlights: 

• Kindred Hospital of South Bay – This was an example of our ability to perform upgrades in an existing, older facility.  We were proud to execute the project while supporting seamless facilities operations at the same time. 
• DaVita Panama City – This clinic had sustained severe damage during Hurricane Michael in October 2018 and had to be shut down during reconstruction throughout Q1 of 2019, displacing the patients that receive treatment there.  The DaVita Risk-Management Team was involved and, since DaVita’s corporate insurance policy covered the costs of re-construction, this project required a high level of detail and documentation. We loved being able to help this facility get back on their feet and get patients back to their “home” treatment facility after the experience of a devastating disaster.    
• Paladina Health Jersey City – We provided a Speaker Sound Masking System for this healthcare clinic to support patient privacy and meet HIPAA compliance. The results were a less distracting audio environment for both patients and care staff, and a better overall experience.

And, here’s a look at some of the latest AV technology trends that we believe will be even stronger in 2020. 

Teleconferencing

While many smart televisions come equipped with WiFi and applications like Skype, there are more and more commercial virtual teleconferencing systems coming available. Certain commercial teleconferencing options can offer healthcare facilities much higher quality technology as well as advanced functionality to meet the needs of a healthcare environment. And as telemedicine gains steam, facilities can benefit from investing in commercial-grade teleconferencing systems. 

However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: “If health information covered under the HIPAA law will be exchanged through a VTC system, the legal ramifications need to be considered by the health care provider. There are many gray areas when it comes to telemedicine, HIPAA and VTC.” 

(Even More) Advanced TVs

Televisions, especially those created for a healthcare setting, have been evolving by leaps and bounds over the past decade. But they haven’t reached their pinnacle yet. In fact, smart TVs that are interactive and can offer healthcare patients the ability to access information, be entertained, and get what they need are continuing to evolve. TVs are also being used to dial up the possibilities in healthcare conference rooms, so there are more options when it comes to presentations, trainings, and meetings. 

There are some TVs now that integrate “features previously found in external devices such as Web browsers, Skype and Wi-Fi,” releasing them from dependence on manufacturer-specific app stores and external connections. Also, TVs are now often being used in lieu of projector screens. Given that many of them have 4K (ultrahigh definition), they’re a desirable alternative when their screens are large enough for text to be readable from different points around a room. Many facilities are opting to go this route, and experiencing much success. 

Wireless Options

While advanced TVs often boast robust features, there are still times when it’s necessary for healthcare facilities to connect to external devices (like a laptop or a mobile phone). There’s new technology available now that can transmit a video signal wirelessly, making it possible to use interconnected devices without the need for endless (and hazardous) cables. 

Some of the pros and cons of this technology are still being evaluated, but it’s an interesting space to keep watching nonetheless. Many healthcare facilities ultimately envision wire-free environments, and this looks like a step in that direction.