Revolutionizing Patient Care: Advocate Aurora Health's Central Telemetry Center

Advocate Aurora Health's Central Telemetry Center project, designed by Matthei & Colin Associates, has successfully completed its final phase in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. This project marks the consolidation of remote digital patient care and resource management departments into a commercial space outside of the hospital walls. The Digital Patient Care and Management Center (DPCMC) is composed of four distinct but interconnected areas: the Patient Care Command Center (PC3), Electronic ICU (EICU), Central Telemetry Center (CTC), and Common Staff Support (CSS).

The completion of the CTC, the last phase of the project, now provides Central Telemetry monitoring for all inpatients in AAH Illinois Hospitals. This facility, equipped with 56 workstations, will offer remote support for thousands of patients and serve as a vital backup for frontline caregivers. The design process for this centralized model involved active user participation, including a full-day design event, facility tours, and surveys. Thorough studies and data analytics, in collaboration with Philips Healthcare Transformation Services, were conducted to create a user and data-driven space.

Amenity spaces were given high priority to support staff working 12-hour shifts. The facility includes a spacious break area with multiple refrigerators, vending machines, microwaves, and various seating options that overlook a nearby pond. Mother's rooms and private telephone/meditation rooms were also included to cater to the specific needs of the employees. Conference rooms of different sizes are conveniently distributed throughout the plan for use by all staff members. Additionally, each area features a Coffee Bar located close to the workstations to minimize interruptions during monitoring.

Due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, some adjustments were made during the construction phase. The increased demand for telehealth and the need to reconsider physical social spaces led to the decision to allocate more space for future patient monitor workstations. This flexible space allows for adaptation to future demands and maximizes workstation capacity.

The relocation of digital remote patient care and resource management departments from the hospital to commercial real estate not only frees up space within the hospital for inpatient and outpatient care areas but also reduces traffic and staff on the main campus. This move creates a safer environment for employees who are concerned about the risks of COVID-19 exposure. The larger workspaces with windows and natural daylighting, designed to better meet the specific needs of the employees, have also led to increased satisfaction among the staff.

Matthei & Colin Associates provided all the planning, architecture, and interior design services for this project.

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