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44 Medical Construction & Design | NOV EMBER / DECEMBER 2017 | MCDM AG.COM BY JAY HORNUNG Moving into a new or reno- vated space is the most highly anticipated part of bringing a new project online. Even a tiny oversight can have a huge impact, causing delays that can result in signifi cant lost rev- enue. And yet two services are often overlooked when bring- ing a new project to comple- tion: transition planning and move management. Transition planning an- swers the "why and the how" questions related to the use of the new space, while move management is critical to an- swering the "what and when." Together, they are referred to as facility activation. Context + value With the signifi cant capital investment healthcare orga- nizations are making in new facilities, there is understand- ably a strong desire to generate a rapid return on that invest- ment. While the price tag of a new facility seems high, the cost of staffi ng a facility over time is higher. Developing a facility activation plan can save money for years because it ensures old habits are not transferred to new spaces. A facility activation plan humani zes effi ciency by translating an organization's strategic goals into concepts that frontline staff can comprehend, so they can understand how to contribute to the organization's success. Challenges A facility activation plan can help the healthcare organiza- tion manage the challenges posed by moving into a new facility. Moving care providers from older facilities to a new facility can be a culture shock to staff . With a plan, the team can map its current state or existing environment, identify bottlenecks and then review the future state to help staff understand how to deliver care in the new environment. Food service, physical plant, security and equipment providers must all be trained to support the frontline staff . A transition planner helps identify the critical groups and provides a training plan. Solutions From single departmental moves to replacement hospi- tals, successfully transitioning to a new care setting is the result of a focused activation plan. The following are best practice recommendations when planning a move into a new facility. Early planning Healthcare leaders should start developing a plan 12-18 months before the fi rst patient day. In the past fi ve to seven years, many healthcare organizations had not been able to dedicate an employee to manage the planning and subsequent move into a new facility. With so many elements to a move, it is paramount that an external expert be brought in. Role + environment Everyone in the organization needs to understand their roles in the new facility. During orientation they should be able to experience the patient's entire journey, from arrival in the parking lot to the reception desk, and through the hallways Facility activation = coordinated approach to occupying a new healthcare facility P lan n i n g Perfection