When the pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hit in early 2020 with a seismic wave of infected cases globally, and no country was not spared. Every country responded differently to the crisis, depending on their resources and existing infrastructure facilities.
However, the spread of the disease, as well as its unavoidable health and social consequences, has prompted serious steps to be taken around the world. Lockdowns and quarantines had a significant social and psychological effect on the whole population; the pandemic even triggered cultural changes many families faced tensions as a result of the restrictions imposed during the outbreak.
Medical communities were concerned about an influx of affected patients, a lack of beds, a lack of medical equipment, and understaffed hospitals, to name a few of the many pressing issues.Â
The current situation can be seen as an opportunity to revitalise a country’s healthcare systems. The following suggestions can be used to accomplish this and enhance the overall healthcare design as a total:
The increasing importance of primary care
Primary care, as the patient’s first point of contact, is critical for assessing an initial diagnosis – preferably before basic disease patterns become complicated and/or life-threatening.
Why should we enhance primary care? More successful treatments; technologically advanced treatments can be promoted through primary care settings and since advanced primary care is given near families and neighbourhoods, it also has a sense of social care.
Planning of space
To address the problem of cross-infection in hospitals, it is necessary to rethink spaces that facilitate healthy socialisation by creating neutral zone or buffer zones.
To ensure the optimal protection of the patients and visitors, critical spaces such as intensive care units and operating theatres must be separated.
Flexible and adaptable spaces in design
Flexible spaces will be essential for every facilities’ reflect our strategic ambitions for the country’s planning strategy – from where a tent can be erected to where a mobile unit can be delivered. However, after the crisis stage is over, their storage and re-use are points to be taken care of. Healthcare was uniquely positioned to deal with this current situation because it is considered to be the most regulated industry in the country.
Anti-microbial building materials
Some surfaces, such as copper, are less hospitable to microorganisms. The use of these materials can reduce the risk of surface transmission. E-switchable privacy glass, known as e-glass or smart glass, is currently used in some hospitals.
Staff areas
As per World Health Organization (WHO) predictions, there is a global shortage of healthcare workers, with double the current amount needed by 2030. All over the world, resources in hospitals and other healthcare providers are being exhausted.
Break rooms and rest areas provide healthcare staff with a safe place to rest between shifts.
Mobile clinics
For minimal cross-infection, portable digital clinics that use advanced technologies are relatively portable, and they can be a primary step in the direction mentioned above.
Suggested use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration.
Managing hospital/patient flow
Due to the traditionally front-door nature of the emergency department, triage and assessment occur at the same time when patients present.
Physical barriers have a demoralising effect on nursing professionals because they erode the compassionate care environment. Concepts such as low-volume air curtains will hopefully evolve to provide discreet separations while keeping patients and staff safe.
MEP services
It’s important that additional emphasis is placed on ensuring a physical and visual connection to nature for patients, in the form of open spaces and healing gardens, which assist in their recovery, helping reduce stress levels.
Sustainability
Going forward, our priority must be to develop hospitals that are environmentally sustainable while also increasing operational efficiency and cutting costs.
Supply chain
An increasing number of large healthcare facilities are implementing 3D printing services in-house. These are being reconfigured to manage shortages in PPE and other vital equipment, such as ventilator parts.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has exposed cracks in the healthcare sector, but also opportunities in this sector for AEC firms.
This is a time for change in healthcare design. While we expect the last quarter of 2021 will show more signs of normality and return to pre-pandemic status, some things will become permanent features, such as: Telehealth (mobile healthcare), increasing demand for behavioural healthcare services and optimised use of energy and space.
Once all the data concerning the pandemic and its aftermath is gathered and studied, an actionable execution strategy can be initiated in terms of design and structure.
Lists of assets to be recommissioned or repurposed are built followed by developing projects based on the deficiency recommendations and costs.
We as architects continue to look for the most suitable design methodologies in the AEC sector that enhance holistic health and are progressive in trends.
This period offers a great opportunity for us to showcase our talent and implement them in the right direction.