Healthcare owners face a planning challenge as artificial intelligence advances faster than major facility projects can be delivered. DPR Construction has released a study examining how AI adoption could affect healthcare operations, building requirements and long-term capital investment decisions.
The report, Planning with Intelligence: How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping the Healthcare Built Environment, draws on input from professionals across healthcare systems, technology, finance, architecture, planning and consulting.
The research indicates that AI is likely to change clinical workflows and operational priorities before its full implications for physical facilities become clear. Healthcare projects can require five to 10 years of planning and delivery, while completed buildings may remain operational for 30 years or more.
For owners, this difference in timescales makes flexibility an important consideration when committing capital to new construction, renovations and infrastructure upgrades.
AI adoption could redistribute space requirements across healthcare facilities rather than reduce overall demand uniformly. Administrative and support functions may require less space, while higher-acuity care, virtual operations, automated systems, equipment support and technical infrastructure could require additional capacity.
The research identifies electrical power, cooling, connectivity, pathways and data readiness as infrastructure factors that may constrain technology adoption. Accounting for these requirements during planning could help owners avoid limitations as operational systems evolve.
The study also recommends scenario testing, phased investments, conversion strategies and defined decision points. These approaches can allow healthcare organisations to adjust facility plans as technology capabilities and care delivery models develop.
A capability-based planning approach offers another option. Rather than designing around a single forecast of future technology, owners can identify functions such as virtual observation, automated logistics, continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, then determine the building systems and performance requirements needed to support them.
The study found that 91% of respondents believe AI is breaking down traditional project delivery silos. This finding highlights the growing relationship between technology decisions, clinical operations, facilities management and capital planning.
Healthcare owners may need closer coordination among clinical leadership, information technology, cybersecurity, facilities and capital planning teams when evaluating new projects. Shared decision-making can help align operational needs with building systems and infrastructure investments.
For contractors, designers and developers working on healthcare facilities, the research highlights the importance of incorporating adaptable infrastructure and technology requirements into early project planning. Coordinating these considerations before design and construction decisions are fixed can help owners preserve options as AI applications and healthcare operating models change.
Source: DPR Construction.
