A Revolutionary Concept

The UNMC + Nebraska Medicine Innovation Design Unit, located on level six of University Tower at Nebraska Medical Center, embodies an evolution in healthcare. The unit creates and tests ideas for new, more effective and efficient care practices, which can then be tested in real cases in the integrated patient rooms. We leveraged our expertise in health design and our deep roots in the Omaha community to create a space that will support this critical mission. 

Merging Innovation and Care

This concept is common in the automotive and manufacturing industries but rare in healthcare. The result is a modern, tech-laden, state-of-the-art care facility that also meets the additional needs of its broader mission. The Innovation Design Unit is designed to be a flexible and adaptable environment that supports the testing and implementation of new healthcare models and technologies. By integrating advanced features and innovative design elements, we designed a facility that enhances patient care and staff efficiency while serving as a hub for collaboration, training and development. This approach ensures that the unit can evolve with the changing needs of healthcare, providing a sustainable and forward-thinking solution. 

Key design features include:

• 17 varied patient rooms, allowing staff to test healthcare concepts in different environments.
• High-tech integration in patient rooms, including monitors embedded into walls and convertible SageGlass windows for privacy and cleanliness.
• Modular wall systems and adaptable training modules to support various space needs.
• Dedicated spaces for training, development and collaboration, essential for an academic hospital setting.
• Pandemic surge-ready construction in patient rooms. 

Laying the Foundation

This state-of-the-art facility aims to improve patient and family experiences and serves as a model for future healthcare design innovations. It will document its first year of operations to inform ongoing improvements, ensuring that the most effective and efficient changes are shared across the organization. The unit will focus on long-term benefits, sustainability and the development of best practices that will benefit the health system and the community.