Press Release: What Does Future Hold for Hospitals?

What Does Future Hold for Hospitals? National Conference Focuses on Far-Reaching Innovations to Transform Care Systems

(OAKBROOK TERRACE and OAK BROOK, Ill. – January 26, 2007) Wired hospitals, green thinking and robotics—these are just a few of the innovations thrusting health care leaders into the future. Adjusting the way hospitals deliver patient care in light of sweeping changes in economic, demographic and workforce trends and technology will dramatically impact their ability to not only survive, but also thrive in competitive marketplaces.

The challenges associated with successfully managing such far-reaching changes will be the focus of a national symposium sponsored by The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources, an affiliate of The Joint Commission. The Hospital of the Future: Strategies for Driving Organizational Transformation will be held April 26-27, 2007, at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Internationally renowned author and futurist Ian Morrison will provide an in-depth look at the current state of health care, what lies ahead and how to navigate the turbulence between the market and society.

Key topics addressed at this national gathering of health care leaders include:

> Environmental trends, such as the rising numbers of uninsured patients, advanced technology and value-based care, that will impact the hospital of the future;
Economic and social factors that will influence hospitals;
> Workforce recruitment, training and retention strategies to assure access to adequate numbers of competent staff;
> Enhanced partnerships with patients and families to create a more patient-centered model of care;
> Factors that are influencing the design and operation of hospitals; and the
> Globalization of health care delivery.

The Hospital of the Future symposium is one of a series of Joint Commission conferences addressing major public policy issues in health care. As part of its public policy initiative, The Joint Commission recently focused on the nursing shortage, organ donation and medical malpractice, emergency preparedness and health literacy—critical areas that are adversely affecting the quality and safety of health care. The Joint Commission brings together health care experts to discuss issues of greatest concern, identify workable solutions, and assign specific accountabilities for action. The Joint Commission expects to issue a white paper on the hospital of the future later this year.

The Hospital of the Future public policy initiative is supported in part by an unrestricted grant from Aramark. In addition, GE Healthcare, Vocera Communications and Hoana Medical have provided funding support for the symposium.

Cost of The Hospital of the Future conference is $895, with discounts available for multiple participants from the same organization. The cost is $695 for participants who register at least 30 days in advance. For a complete symposium agenda and more information, please go to www.jcrinc.com or call 877-223-6866.