There’s a growing emphasis in U.S. health systems to build new facilities that address un-met needs, as well as adopt and upgrade new smart building technology as part of those construction projects. Part and parcel with this trend is the growing need for technology integration; the process of connecting each system so a building’s entire tech ecosystem performs more effectively than systems coordinated independently.
“Technology integration can have a significant impact on experiences, outcomes, and performance of the building systems throughout the life of a building,” said John Cooper, Director of East Region & National Healthcare Operations for Aptitude.
Acadia Healthcare is one health system following the expansion and upgrade trend. Acadia is a leading behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment provider in the U.S. Established in 2005 and headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., the company was established to develop and operate a network of behavioral healthcare hospitals and clinics. Today there are over 250 Acadia facilities where more than 75,000 patients receive care daily. Acadia’s growth nationwide is helping address the unmet need for healthcare that focuses on treatment for behavioral and substance use disorder services.
Acadia has partnered with Aptitude on two new facilities and is currently working on two more. Acadia refers to Aptitude as a ‘trusted technology systems integrator’ on capitol expansion projects. As a technology integrator, Aptitude will play an active role on project teams to ensure that technology and security goals are met, serving as a liaison between the owner, engineers of record, and general contractor stakeholders to coordinate and oversee the implementation of engineered technology systems.
Aptitude worked on Acadia projects that were constructed by its parent company, JE Dunn Construction. Proving its value by troubleshooting technology challenges and identifying scope gaps in technology designs, the Acadia development team realized the benefits of having a technology integrator on project teams.
“The biggest value is having a capable entity overseeing the technology project to ensure there are no technology scope gaps. That’s what the biggest home run for us is. They ensure maximum efficiency and integration along with guarding against unnecessary redundancy. Another huge value is the specialty knowledge they provide and the process to integrate it,” said Scott Jarrette, Acadia Senior Director of Design & Construction.
Jarrette oversees Acadia’s expansion by leading the construction and delivery program team for new buildings. He says Acadia is committed to significantly increasing the number of facilities over the next few years. Jarrette believes the lack of behavioral facility resources is a result of the lack of awareness around behavioral healthcare needs and a general acknowledgement that this category of healthcare should be more readily available. He is driven in his role knowing that the facilities created by his teams will be places where individuals can receive much needed care.
Two new Acadia facilities are currently in progress; Capitol Park Behavioral Health Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota and Coastal Pines Behavioral Health Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida. Aptitude’s previous work was on Acadia facilities in Westminster, Colorado, and North Port, Florida.
Aptitude’s typical scope includes the procurement, project management, installation and commissioning of the structured cabling, active network equipment, audiovisual, public address, nurse call/code blue system, public safety DAS (ERRCS), television, electronic two-way communication, access control, intrusion/patient motion/panic alarm system, video surveillance, and fire alarm systems.
Safety is an even higher priority when patients must be admitted against their will under the Baker Act. This adds a layer of complexity and requires additional considerations to typical patient safety systems. Examples of this, Jarrette explains, are the personal duress system and the restrained occupancy classification of behavioral facilities. This provides for a building to stay locked if a fire alarm is initiated, so that staff members must coordinate evacuation in lieu of free egress.
Aptitude adds value by helping evaluate new technology tools to determine which products best meet Acadia’s needs and goals. Jarrette says this consultation is helpful when it comes to selecting technology tool upgrades or vetting various product selections.
“Security cameras are a big subject right now that we’re reviewing internally. John (John Cooper) is a part of that. He joins the calls, and he’s familiar with the technical pieces and brings information to the discussion,” said Jarrette. “If there is a new product, he’ll take it back and vet it and then come back with an opinion that helps our decision-making process.”
Another key part of Aptitude’s role is ensuring on-time delivery. ‘Go-live’ dates are critical for Acadia when their team makes a commitment to open a new facility and provide care in the community by a certain date. Reaching on-time functionality can be a complex web of planning, engineering, long lead times for procurement, recognizing design or schedule gaps, and anticipating needs.
“Aptitude has become a trusted advisor to Acadia with regard to technology systems,” said Jarrette. “We had a situation on a project he wasn’t even involved in at the 11th hour. I reached out to John, and within a day he and his team were booking flights to spend the weekend resolving the issues. That level of service is invaluable to us.”
