The 2024 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo, hosted in Austin, TX, provided insightful discussions and innovative approaches concerning behavioral health and healthcare facility design, including sustainability and decarbonization. A key focus was the integration of behavioral health needs and the importance of creating accessible and sustainable, stigma-free spaces for those requiring outpatient services. Emphasizing central locations within neighborhoods was highlighted as a strategy to enhance accessibility.

The first keynote centered on the profound mental healthcare needs within jails and prisons, emphasizing the urgent need for behavioral health support in correctional facilities. It was noted that many inmates have untreated behavioral health needs and should be transitioned to appropriate facilities more expediently. This highlights a broader systemic issue where increasing the number of incarceration facilities is often prioritized over much-needed behavioral health centers that provide both inpatient and outpatient care.

The learning sessions covered diverse topics ranging from the effects of light, sound, and memory on the patient experience to more comprehensive healthcare design methodologies involving patient participation. This patient-centric approach could significantly enhance treatment programs and outcomes by aligning built environments with user needs.

Further sessions explored design innovation in post-acute care and the importance of a seamless healthcare experience across the entire patient care journey. Presenters introduced design concepts for room prototypes and clinical operations that prioritize patient care and operational efficiency. A holistic emergency and behavioral health care approach was also discussed, using a model that emphasizes compassion and empathy in the design process. Additionally, several sessions focused on sustainability and decarbonization, including a look at the use of microgrids, hybrid approaches to new and existing infrastructure facilities, and the latest technologies being used outside the United States.

The second keynote explored the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, comparing it to past innovations like AutoCAD in drafting. AI was presented as a powerful tool to increase productivity and enhance the doctor-patient experience. By automating tasks such as note-taking, AI allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient interactions, thereby improving the quality of care and fostering a more personal connection during medical consultations. The closing address reminded us that curiosity, continuous learning, a desire to make a positive impact on communities, and health equity can help us create spaces that will meet patients’ needs.

The conference underscored the critical intersection of behavioral health needs and innovative design strategies. It emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health and improving facility accessibility, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and support broader community health initiatives, including sustainability and decarbonization. Healthcare systems can continue to evolve through strategic integration of innovations like AI, offering more efficient and patient-centered care.