Medical Construction & Design

SEP-OCT 2017

Medical Construction & Design (MCD) is the industry's leading source for news and information and reaches all disciplines involved in the healthcare construction and design process.

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MCDM AG.COM | SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2017 | Medical Construction & Design 69 Products A state-of-the-art solution for improving patient privacy, protection Switchable Glass Makes a Clear Case PRIVACY GLASS BY ANTHONY BRANSCUM As architects to the medical community, anytime you can introduce a design innovation that saves money, enhances care and implements state-of-the-art technology to improve a client's facility, it's a win-win for all: the architectural fi rm, the hospital and, most importantly, the patients and community. Imagine being able to deliver all this — plus, dramatically reduce the spread of infection — with one breakthrough solution. These tangible benefi ts, and many more, are what an increasing number of hospitals are experiencing every year when Switchable Liquid Crystal Privacy Glass, or LC Privacy Glass, is specifi ed as part of a facility renovation. At Innovative Glass Corporation — inventors and exclusive manufacturers of LC Privacy Glass powered with eGlass brand technology — we see hospitals and other clinical environments benefi t from LC Privacy Glass every day, not only enhancing patient engagement but also signifi cantly improving health-critical HAI scores, which can cost the institution millions in lost Medicare reimbursements. Consider the case of one recent installation: Castle Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii. As the smaller component of a larger overhaul project, which in this case called for a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and technology improvements, the medical center sought to upgrade the sliding breakaway doors in about 20 of its patient rooms. It also wanted to eliminate curtains without compromising patient privacy. Doing so is a huge and common challenge for hospitals. As research indicates, the problem with the curtains that hang between patient rooms is that they usually become contaminated with drug- resistant bacteria, which has proven to play a signifi cant role in the spread of infectious contagions. Although curtains may not appear dirty, they can harbor pathogens. LC Privacy Glass replaces the need for traditional fabric curtains with a maintenance-free solution that helps prevent germs from accumulating and thriving in the environment. It installs easily in fi xed or sliding walls, within partitions and also in the swinging or breakaway doors typically used in the ICU and ER. Here's how it works: The laminated glass features an imbedded electrifi ed fi lm that instantly turns the glass from transparent to a frosted white — on demand — controlled by a wall switch or a remote control from a nearby nursing station. It can also operate hands-free via motion sensors or voice commands. In the unpowered default state, the glass is completely obscure, providing 100 percent privacy from both sides, and yet allowing light to pass through. When electricity is introduced, the molecules in the fi lm reorient and the glass becomes instantly clear. It's the kind of innovation that adds tremendous value to renovation projects. And to simplify installation even further, Innovative's proprietary "PowerTrack" technology provides a safe and reliable method for transferring power invisibly to the sliding doors that contain the electrifi ed glass. As expected, LC Privacy Glass provided the upgrade Castle Medical Center was looking for, enhancing patient experiences and ensuring actual privacy — all while dramatically reducing the spread of bacterial infections. Switchable LC Privacy Glass provides a smart alternative to high- maintenance, ineff ective, contagion- harboring curtains. It protects patient health, ensures patient/ provider privacy and enhances patient engagement and satisfaction — a clear case where innovation ensures extreme infection protection. Anthony Branscum is vice president of architectural sales for Innovative Glass Corporation. Visit innovativeglasscorp.com.

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