AdventHealth is taking a major step toward the future of patient care by rolling out “smart room” technology across its entire network of hospitals. Following a successful pilot in Colorado, the system plans to implement these digital upgrades across more than 55 hospitals in nine states throughout 2026.
For healthcare real estate owners, operators, and investors, this initiative signals a broader shift: the physical hospital environment is becoming increasingly digitized, data-driven, and patient-centric.
What Are Smart Hospital Rooms?
Smart rooms integrate advanced technology directly into the patient care environment to improve communication, efficiency, and outcomes. AdventHealth’s rollout includes:
- EHR-linked in-room video for virtual consultations
- Digital whiteboards displaying care plans, medications, and daily goals
- Digital door signage with real-time alerts and care instructions
- Two-way communication tools connecting patients and care teams instantly
According to Dr. Valerie McKinnis, Vice President of Clinical Innovation at AdventHealth:
“Patients appreciate being able to see their care plan and communicate more easily with their team… it reduces uncertainty and makes their stay more comfortable.”
Why It Matters for Healthcare Delivery
The implications go far beyond patient experience—this is a meaningful operational shift.
1. Reduced Administrative Burden
Virtual tools can streamline routine processes such as:
- Admissions checks
- Discharge protocols
- Specialist consult coordination
This allows clinical staff to focus more on direct patient care.
2. Faster Access to Specialists
Smart rooms enable remote consultations, reducing delays and improving outcomes—especially in rural or underserved locations.
3. Improved Patient Experience
Real-time visibility into care plans and easier communication helps:
- Reduce anxiety
- Increase engagement
- Improve satisfaction scores
As Dr. Michael Cacciatore, System Chief Medical Officer, noted:
“Smart rooms give patients greater clarity about their care and peace of mind knowing their team is always within reach.”
Addressing Privacy Concerns
While in-room cameras and virtual care tools offer efficiency gains, patient privacy remains a key consideration.
AdventHealth has emphasized:
- No recording capabilities for in-room cameras
- Robust cybersecurity protections and firewalls
- Patient opt-in/opt-out control over technology use
Building trust will be essential as more systems adopt similar solutions.
The Broader Industry Trend
AdventHealth is not alone. Health systems nationwide are exploring smart room technology to improve operations and workforce sustainability.
For example, OhioHealth has already reported:
- Improved quality metrics
- Strong patient adoption across all age groups
- A 9% reduction in new nurse turnover
According to Duane Perry, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at OhioHealth, virtual tools also allow specialists to consult across multiple facilities without travel—dramatically improving efficiency.
What This Means for Healthcare Real Estate (HBRE Perspective)
At HBRE, we view AdventHealth’s smart room rollout as a clear signal for the next generation of medical office and hospital design.
Key Implications:
1. Infrastructure Demands Are Increasing
Facilities must support:
- High-speed connectivity
- Secure IT networks
- Integrated digital systems
2. Design Is Becoming More Tech-Centric
Future healthcare environments will require:
- Built-in digital displays
- Flexible patient room layouts
- Telehealth-enabled spaces
3. Asset Value Will Be Tied to Digital Readiness
Properties that can support advanced care delivery models will:
- Attract leading health systems
- Command higher rents
- Maintain long-term relevance
4. Rural and Distributed Care Models Will Expand
Smart rooms reduce reliance on centralized care, increasing demand for:
- Community hospitals
- Outpatient facilities
- Hybrid care environments
The Bottom Line
AdventHealth’s system-wide investment in smart rooms underscores a powerful trend: healthcare delivery is no longer confined to physical interactions—it’s becoming digitally integrated at the bedside.
For healthcare real estate stakeholders, this evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The question is no longer whether facilities will need to adapt—but how quickly they can align with the future of care delivery.
About the Source
This article is based on reporting by Andrea Fox, Senior Editor at Healthcare IT News, a publication of HIMSS.
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