Episode Overview: In episode 14 of Constructing With Care, host Leslie Tulio welcomes back distinguished guests Laura Wilt, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Sutter Health; Clara Guixa, Vice President of Applications and Deputy CIO at Boston Children's Hospital; and Carl Fleming, Healthcare Strategy and Digital Transformation at DPR Construction. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of integrating technology and design in healthcare environments, focusing on how capital projects can prioritize patient-centered care, provider needs and operational efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Integrated Planning Process: Carl Fleming opens the discussion on the importance of engaging both patients and providers in the planning stages of healthcare construction. While patient family advisory councils are imperative, Carl notes that more direct input from frontline providers—those closest to patient care—is essential to balance technology needs with actual usability and value.
2. Designing for Seamless Experiences: Clara Guixa emphasizes the need for integrated project teams that consider the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders. By focusing on how data and AI can enhance specific care delivery models, Clara highlights how integrated planning can improve both digital and physical healthcare environments, ultimately supporting cohesive patient and provider experiences.
3. Prototype Spaces and Testing: Laura Wilt discusses the benefits of prototyping spaces, like hospital rooms or surgery centers, to improve design functionality and technological implementation. Carl supports this, sharing examples where prototyping—whether through physical mock-ups or innovative tools like AR and VR—has helped teams identify efficiencies, minimize future costly modifications, and improve the overall activation process.
4. Best Practices for Partnerships: The conversation shifts to partnerships between healthcare providers and construction teams, with Laura and Carl stressing the importance of trust, shared vision, and open communication. Strong relationships allow for candid conversations during challenging moments, ensuring both parties can adjust and stay focused on the primary goal: enhancing patient care.
5. Innovation and Collaboration: Clara shares how her team at Boston Children’s Hospital works with a dedicated innovation group, ensuring that technology, innovation, and digital teams collaborate seamlessly on projects. This partnership-driven approach prevents siloed planning, maximizes resources, and provides a unified direction for vendors and stakeholders.
6. Closing Remarks: Leslie wraps up the episode by noting the wealth of insights shared and teases future discussions on topics such as innovation ownership and virtual prototyping. She thanks the panel and invites listeners to stay tuned for more expert conversations.

Featured Guests:

• Laura Wilt: Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Sutter Health
• Clara Guixa: Vice President of Applications and Deputy CIO at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Carl Fleming: Healthcare Strategy and Digital Transformation Specialist at DPR Construction

Laura Wilt

"We're not just buying or building technology; we're adapting it to meet the unique needs of our organization and patients."

Clara Guixa

"We need to think about the integrated experience within healthcare projects—how operations and care delivery come together."

Carl Fleming

"When discussing AI in healthcare, we need to ensure we're all speaking the same language and that it aligns with the organization's readiness and goals."

Listen Now: Tune in to learn how healthcare leaders are navigating the intersection of digital innovation and capital investments, ensuring that new technologies improve outcomes for both patients and providers.

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