Healthcare construction continues shift from inpatient care.

HOSPITAL building design & construction; OUTPATIENT services in hospitals; SURGICAL clinics; RURAL hospitals; MEDICAL offices; LABOR demand; HEALTH care industry; CLINICS; CONSTRUCTION industry; GOVERNMENT regulation

The article reveals the shift of health construction and design projects toward outpatient care amid the decreasing need for inpatient care, changing consumer preferences, increased competition and rising operational costs. It reports the focus of healthcare organization on facilities that support outpatient care like medical office buildings, cancer centers and ambulatory surgical centers. The rise of digital health and the regional challenges that add to construction costs are discussed.