Why Modular Design for Health?

Verday Health believes that modular design and construction is the ideal way to go to provide a sustainable model for rural and community health design. Why? It occupies the sweet spot where viability, feasibility and desirability intersect.

In the past few years modular construction technology has advanced to make well-designed, low-cost construction feasible. Because of these advances and the efficiencies provided, modular solutions are now viable for healthcare. And, we believe that building evidence-based spaces for rural and community health with enhanced speed and reduced cost is desirable. Our conversations with professionals working in this healthcare space have reinforced this belief.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve toward an approach to health that is more upstream – looking at the root causes of disease and the social, economic and environmental origins of health and wellbeing – more community-based solutions and services are pursued. This means a shift towards more ambulatory care, outpatient clinics and wellness centers, meeting patients in their communities as active partners in their health journeys. This rising focus on population health emphasizes education, prevention and wellness. We feel strongly that community-based spaces designed specifically to address these demands are needed. While telemedicine and digital health solutions will be increasingly adopted, there will always be a need for thoughtfully designed community space that supports healthcare delivery.

Modular planning and prefabrication’s cost-effective design-and-construction process increases speed-to-market, helping providers address community needs more effectively, with less friction. Whereas traditional construction of buildings from foundation to framing, enclosure and interior fit-out is often a long and unpredictable process, with modular construction a building is constructed off-site, under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials and designing to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time. Buildings are produced in “modules” that offer predictable quality that’s customizable. Prototypes are scalable and flexible, allowing for quicker iterations of new care models. The factory-controlled process of modular generates less waste, creates fewer site disturbances and allows for tighter construction timelines. And, when put together on site, modular buildings can offer the same design intent and sophistication as facilities built on site.

The possibilities are exciting.

Consider this: A typical medical building can take three to five years to complete, from early concept planning and programming to design development, construction, and finally occupancy. A well-designed modular approach and program can reduce that timeline by half, resulting in savings that can be passed on to the patient. Time, of course, means money – but it also can often mean a delay in meeting the needs of patients. At Verday Health, we’re driven by a sense of purpose to serve those in need.

The automotive and retail industries have been using a modular approach successfully for decades, but not the healthcare industry. This is beginning to change, as the improving technology and benefits of modular become evident.

Ultimately, we’re focused on the patients, providers and the communities served. We’re not just builders, we’re community experience designers fixed on solutions that provide better care, compassion and convenience for those we have the privilege of serving. Peter’s roots in design and development, planning, and community leadership and Susan’s background in global healthcare, social innovation, and human-centered design make for a team that’s passionate about positive change for under-represented populations. We’re excited by what we can create with communities to increase access to quality care.

This article references information in “Building the Future of Modular Health Design,” by Stan Chiu and Andrew Zimmer (4/1/2018), https://hga.com/building-the-future-of-modular-healthcare-design/