2024 Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society National Conference

The 44th Annual Conference of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society was a resounding success, held from September 8-10, 2024, at the Halifax Convention Centre. This year's theme, "Enriching Patient Experiences by Optimizing the Environment," set the stage for a series of enlightening sessions and networking opportunities aimed at advancing the standards of healthcare engineering.

Tobias Janes, Director of Technical Services at EcoPilot Canada | USA , recently took part in the  CHES 2024 Webinar Series: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Harness Free Energy to Optimize Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Efficiency

In this 30-minute webinar, he took participants on a virtual tour into one of the more than 1,300 iBOS energy® installations that are harnessing free energy to reduce HVAC consumption and improve tenant comfort. 

This years conference sessions were divided into various tracks, each targeting different aspects of healthcare engineering:

• Track 1: Focused on enhancing patient experience through improved environmental controls in hospital settings. Barry Hunt from Prescientx highlighted how patients' comfort and control over their environment can significantly impact their experience and recovery.

• Track 2: Offered two insightful sessions. Reza Daneshazarian from the University of Toronto discussed HVAC configurations in operating rooms to mitigate infectious disease transmission, while Pierre Iachetti from Island Health shared successes and benefits of internalizing continuous optimization for energy conservation.

• Track 3: Addressed the practical aspects of master facility planning and electrification in hospitals. Jeff Stewart and panelists provided valuable insights into developing master facility plans, and Tariq Amlani and Bernard Ropson debated the environmental and practical implications of electrifying healthcare facilities.

• Track 4: Provided a comprehensive look at advancing healthcare facilities through innovative approaches and technology. It focused on the collaborative efforts and lessons learned in developing new Long-Term Care facilities in British Columbia, emphasizing climate resilience and technological integration. They explored the transformative role of technology in facilities management, highlighting strategies for optimizing patient care and operational efficiency through advanced data analytics and automated systems.

• Track 5: Covered Alberta Health’s implementation of CSA Z8002.19 and the role of mechanical, electrical, and information technology in enhancing patient experience. Paul Perschon from Alberta Health Services shared their journey with the CSA standard, while Julie Lawson and Preethi Sethi from HH Angus & Associates explored how technology can improve patient care.

• Track 6: Focused on the upcoming CSA HVAC standard and frameworks for effective project delivery in hospitals. Nick Stark provided insights into the new CSA Z317.2 standard, and Rudy Dahdal introduced a robust project management framework for ongoing hospital operations.

• Track 7: Presented on new standards for digital infrastructure (CSA Z8005) and design considerations for light and nature in healthcare facilities. These sessions emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technologies and thoughtful design to enhance the patient environment.

CONCLUSION

The 2024 CHES National Conference was a testament to the ongoing evolution in healthcare engineering. With a diverse range of sessions and discussions, it provided a platform for professionals to explore new ideas, share best practices, and foster collaborations. The conference's emphasis on optimizing patient experiences through innovative solutions and improved environments underscored the critical role of healthcare engineering in enhancing overall healthcare delivery.

As we reflect on the insights gained and the connections made, it’s clear that the future of healthcare engineering is bright, with continuous advancements aimed at improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.