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The Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) provides knowledge which supports the design of healthy environments by creating education and networking opportunities for members of – and those touched by – the health care architectural profession.

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COVID-19 resources for health care design

You can contribute information to the AIA COVID-19 project database, and view all submitted projects. Visit the Alternative Care Sites preparedness site to learn important areas to evaluate when selecting ACSs for the care and treatment of COVID-19 or surge capacity patients.

Explore additional resources for health care facilities >

  • 1.  Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-20-2020 02:45 PM
    For years I've watched many segments of the Health Care Industry push for more open and welcoming design for reception areas in medical offices. Which has lead to making the process of checking in at many physician's office is much more comforting and for patients.
    Given the COVID-19 pandemic I'm currently thinking that this will need to change to address the level of contact between patients and office staff. Our charge will be to develop creative way the provide a level of separation that still feels comforting to both patient and staff.
    What other changes do you feel our current situation will drive in our designs?

    ------------------------------
    Craig Chasse AIA
    Principal
    Architectural Studio 3C, LLC
    Harwinton CT
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-22-2020 07:23 AM
    Good question! We have been seeing similar measures implemented in emergency room reception areas for, I want to say, years. I believe that we are heading to even more separation with the use of sealed glass barriered-off reception areas that have a clean side and a potentially "dirty" side.  The separated areas will be serviced with air changes and ventilation pressurization to protect the clean side.  With the increase of digitization, there will soon no longer be a need to exchange physical papers but in the mean time, we will use late-night gas station like pass-through drawers to exchange check-in information. Later, reception and more diagnostics will be done without direct contact with the patients. ​The tele-medicine will occur with the health care providers being right down the hall or in the next room.

    ------------------------------
    Keith Kizzie AIA
    Project Officer, Architect
    Health Resources and Services Administration
    Mcdonough GA
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-22-2020 05:23 PM
    I have ben a big proponent for tables and chairs in waiting rooms. If you have to fill out paper work writing on your lap is not ideal - especially, if you are in a wheelchair. I would argue that maybe tables might be easier to control social distancing. I am sure there are still issues with that, but it is, at the very least, better than lining up all those chairs along the wall. I find it so horrid. 

    Janet Roche, MDS, CAPS
    Janet Roche Designs, LLC
    Real Design Solutions for the Human Condition
    617-755-7237
    Allied ASID, Affiliate EDAC
    ASID Advocate by Design Fund (AxDFund) Chair Design Impacts Lives 
    Adjunct Instructor at The Boston Architectural College
    Host of INCLUSIVE DESIGNERS® Podcast - Stay Well... and Stay Well Informed
    Playing on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play (YouTube coming soon)










  • 4.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-23-2020 05:37 PM
    I believe that check-ins need to be more digital to allow for less interaction. While the current challenges with COVID19 are great, at one point humans will adapt to this virus.  The drive for a more open experience is based in human desire and need.  I don't see that changing.  I am hopeful that we can create waiting room spaces that are still open for check-in with semi-private spaces for the waiting.  Leveraging technology can really allow a shift to a more digital check-in process and limit the direct contact interactions with a receptionist.  

    Luke Leising AIA, PE
    President
    Guidon Design
    Indianapolis, IN
    luke@guidondesign.com

    ------------------------------
    Luke Leising AIA
    Architect
    Guidon Design Inc
    Indianapolis IN
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-27-2020 05:12 PM
    We have worked on the digital check-in for years. The limiting or controlling factor seems to be the healthcare organization’s IT platform which neither designers nor Facility people control. For now we provide power & data in appropriate places for the future installation.

    PATRICK




  • 6.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-28-2020 05:30 PM
    While the IT platform poses its own challenges, many of the health systems I've worked for solved that problem, implemented digital check in (not unlike what you see at the airport), and still the technology didn't stick.  Beyond this, many health systems now have an online patient portal that does a lot of the same things and could be adapted for this use.

    The limiting factor from my experience isn't the platform, it is the people that are unwilling to use it in favor of a personal option even if that means waiting in a line vs. immediately stepping up to a kiosk. COVID may be the impetus many health systems need to really commit to this solution, and many patients may be rethinking their stance as well. The IT investment is minimal compared to the cost of keeping enough people at the front desk to check people in fast enough over the lifetime of a clinic, and I believe many health systems will now take a second look at it.

    ------------------------------
    Dwayne Robinett AIA
    Managing Director
    Health Facilities Group
    Tulsa OK
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-29-2020 05:34 PM
    There ARE ways to fully kill all airborne pathogens including COVID, anthrax and mold in buildings. There's a market for this - or should be - not sure how to educate the marketplace in that vein. Suggestions? 

    John Hrivnak, Architect,
    ArCH, AIA, MBA, NCARB, LEED AP
    Hrivnak Associates, Ltd.    .     
    john@hrivnakassociates.com

    Chicago 630.770.5900
    Omaha 402.577.0220

    Note 1: If you need to reach me immediately, please text me at 630-770-5900.  I check e-mail less frequently.
    Note 2: Most of my business comes from happy clients and consultants like you.  Please recommend me to others; I appreciate it. 
    The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and should not be opened, read or utilized by any other party. This message shall not be construed as official project information or as direction except as expressly provided in the contract document. Its contents (including any attachments) may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose, disseminate, copy or print its contents. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete and destroy the message.






  • 8.  RE: Rethinking medical office design post COVID-19

    Posted 04-30-2020 05:36 PM

    I am not sure the medical community can afford the technology to "kill" viruses in airstream and spaces or if it is needed and so far it is not proven to work.  COVID19 is droplet protection so not really airborne.  There are some theoretical discussions about airborne transfer but we haven't seen anything conclusive yet.  Many hospital units have shared HVAC systems and so far no outbreak in non-COVID areas. 

     

    Filtration technology is tried and true but is tough on our sustainability goals- fan speed to drive air thru a HEPA filter in a dentist office is energy expensive, as is the filter. 

     

    We can begin to think about how we design waiting rooms and "air flow"  where people must congregate.  Or even open office design so that air does not flow across one workspace to another.  A version of laminar flow over a work space might prove beneficial.   

     

    There is a lot to review as we emerge back into our workspaces- they are where our focus should be to keep people safe.

     

    Wash your hands, wear your mask, keep your distance

     

    Bradley S. Pollitt, AIA

    Vice President, Facilities

    UF Health Shands Hospital

    1600 SW Archer Road

    P.O. Box 100366

    Gainesville, FL  32610

    Office – 352.265.0088

    Fax – 352.265.0499

    UFhealthlogo