The ExamSlide sliding door system from AD Systems represents a significant advancement in architectural design, particularly in healthcare environments where functionality, accessibility, and aesthetics are critical. These systems are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of contemporary healthcare facilities, especially those following the LEAN model, which emphasizes efficiency, minimal waste, and optimized patient care. As detailed in the documentation, the ExamSlide system is a top-hung roller system that eliminates traditional floor tracks, reducing maintenance and preserving floor space. Its integration into facilities like the Intermountain Cancer Center at McKay-Dee Hospital highlights its role in creating accessible, functional, and patient-centered environments.
This article explores the technical features, design philosophy, and real-world applications of the ExamSlide system, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It outlines the system’s benefits in healthcare settings, discusses its engineering specifications, and provides insights into its broader applications beyond the medical sector.
Engineering and Design Features
The ExamSlide sliding door system is a heavy-duty, top-hung roller system designed for smooth, reliable operation. A key feature of this system is its lack of floor tracks, which not only simplifies maintenance but also reduces the risk of tripping hazards and wear on flooring materials. The absence of floor tracks also contributes to the system’s ability to save up to 30 square feet of space compared to traditional swing doors. This space-saving benefit is particularly valuable in healthcare environments, where maximizing usable square footage is essential for both patient comfort and staff efficiency.
Encasing the wall opening is an aluminum perimeter frame that protects drywall from impact and wear. This design element enhances the door system’s durability and resilience, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. The aluminum frame also adds a modern, aesthetically pleasing finish to the door installation, aligning with the architectural goals of contemporary healthcare facilities.
According to Nathan Murray, a design partner and Vice President at TSA Architects, the ExamSlide system is known for its durability, engineering precision, and visual appeal. The system is designed to be adaptable, allowing for customization to meet a variety of architectural challenges. This flexibility is crucial in healthcare settings, where specific design requirements often arise due to the need for accessibility, infection control, and noise reduction.
Applications in Healthcare Environments
The ExamSlide system is prominently featured in the oncology suite of the Intermountain Cancer Center at McKay-Dee Hospital, where it plays a critical role in creating an accessible and patient-centered environment. The sliding doors eliminate swing arc trajectories, allowing for a dual-entry approach and improved opening dimensions and clearances. This is particularly important for accommodating patients with mobility impairments, as it ensures that the facility is compliant with accessibility standards and provides equitable access to care.
The system also contributes to improved wayfinding and acoustic isolation. In a healthcare setting, minimizing noise levels is essential for patient comfort and concentration, particularly in diagnostic and treatment areas. The ExamSlide system’s design supports this by providing enhanced acoustic insulation, which helps maintain a quiet and soothing environment for patients undergoing treatment.
In addition, the oncology suite at McKay-Dee Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the-art linear accelerator vault, which offers advanced tumor tracking and positioning capabilities. The integration of the ExamSlide system into this space not only supports the technological sophistication of the facility but also ensures that it remains a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for both patients and healthcare providers.
Broader Applications and Industry Impact
While the ExamSlide system is primarily discussed in the context of healthcare, its design and engineering make it suitable for a range of other applications. Horton Automatics, a manufacturer of similar sliding door systems, has developed manual sliding “barn door” configurations for the healthcare market and beyond. These systems are used in offices, laboratories, and equipment rooms, where space efficiency, durability, and ease of use are essential.
The engineering criteria for these systems emphasize commercial quality, durability, and compliance with building codes. This underscores the importance of the ExamSlide system not only in healthcare but also in broader commercial and institutional applications. The ability of these systems to meet diverse design challenges while maintaining high standards of quality and functionality is a testament to their adaptability and value.
Design Philosophy and LEAN Model Alignment
The ExamSlide system is aligned with the LEAN model of healthcare, which prioritizes efficiency, waste reduction, and patient-centered care. The system’s space-saving design and low-maintenance operation contribute to a more efficient use of resources in healthcare facilities. By reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing floor space usage, the ExamSlide system helps healthcare providers optimize their operational costs while maintaining high standards of care.
Nathan Murray’s comments on the system highlight its role in the evolution of cancer treatment environments. As he notes, the Intermountain Cancer Center represents the latest in oncology care, where design and technology converge to enhance both patient experience and clinical outcomes. The ExamSlide system is a key component of this evolution, supporting the facility’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and comfort.
Conclusion
The ExamSlide sliding door system from AD Systems is a versatile and high-quality solution designed to meet the specific needs of modern healthcare environments. Its top-hung roller system, space-saving design, and durability make it an ideal choice for facilities seeking to improve accessibility, efficiency, and aesthetics. As demonstrated in the oncology suite at McKay-Dee Hospital, the system plays a critical role in creating patient-centered environments that support advanced medical technologies while maintaining a soothing and functional atmosphere.
Beyond healthcare, the ExamSlide system’s adaptability makes it suitable for a range of commercial applications. Its engineering and design align with the principles of the LEAN model, emphasizing efficiency, minimal waste, and optimized patient care. As healthcare and institutional design continue to evolve, systems like ExamSlide will remain essential in creating spaces that are both functional and welcoming.