Written by: Julianne McGregor, Interior Designer

As Covid-19 quickly became a global obstacle, solutions to many healthcare design challenges were based on the need for immediate changes. Collectively the Healthcare industry worked overtime to fight the viral pandemic- with limited resources and the upheaval of traditional hospital and clinic performances. As we start to heal from this past year, we can begin to change the way we design within the Healthcare Industry to create a better future for us all.

Adaptable Spaces = Flexible Solutions

“In the coming years, “adaptability” will be an even more prominent keyword for healthcare design. The current crisis has made clear that certain healthcare environments may not be fully equipped to face unique and urgent challenges, knowing that the state of safety and healthcare needs in our society can change within a matter of days.” (Frumkin, 2020) As we develop improved designs both in reshaping current facilities as well as new construction- it will be imperative to consider the versatile design of spaces utilizing elements such as mobile workstations, adaptable multipurpose rooms and reinvented layouts that allow for temporary modification.

Adaptability should be a key feature in any design process regardless of a global pandemic. As we work with our clients a leading intention is focusing on the lifetime of a project. When we put forth our plans it is important to design a facility that will see an assortment of changes over 10, 15, 20 years- creating spaces that not only allow our clients to grow with time but also make changes that will not require a complete construction shutdown.

Cut Ties with Common Areas

While hospitals and clinics want to preserve the accommodations to patients and their loved ones- one goal for the future is to limit unnecessary time spent within close approximation to strangers. Trends for the future of health care are showing an increase of self-check-in and singular rooming. Areas for staff will be reconsidered- replacing large and centralized spaces with smaller and equally spread locations to decrease large groupings of staff during personal downtimes.

As we continue to change the “conventional” design of Healthcare Facilities- it has become apparent what areas need revisions. As an example, a pivotal feature in one of our current healthcare projects, is introducing an independent entrance and exit. This component tracks the flow of people moving in a more linear direction- one way in and one way out. Although the space needed to create this system is larger than “space saving” design of the past, eliminating cross traffic is becoming a new standard in the healthcare industry.

The Future of Digital Healthcare

As we have increased in efficiency of our digital presence the likelihood of virtual appointments continues. Routine check-ups and non-emergency consultations allows providers and patients to work together without increasing risk of face-to-face exposure. This trend is also being put forth within self-check-in areas utilizing contact free digital technology.

TeleMed is a large component of future Healthcare facilities. Even some of our smaller projects, such as a simple clinic are taking advantage of these digital advantages. To build off, in correlation with our design of separate entrances and exits- a unique feature we have incorporated into some of our plans is isolated entrances for “Non-Infectious Patients” and “Infectious Patients.” The Infectious Patient entry will utilize Audio Visual Remote Security to greet, check-in, and create a more secured entrance into the healthcare facility.

We at Nelson Architects have transitioned our Design process to include post pandemic solutions to our work. As we meet with clients, we ensure that our designs moving forwards will adhere to the new social norms that surround the Healthcare Industry. Contact us to see how implementing pre and master planning can set a project up for long term success.