How do we rethink eldercare facilities in terms of how to build in better protection from the spread of viruses and not cut them off from family and other human interactions

There's been a lot of thinking and discussion about this since the pandemic hit, but technology has a role to play in keeping people connected in eldercare facilities, as well as designing more outdoor spaces for people to congregate. Breaking communities down into smaller, independent households is also a strategy to allow residents to still be around people, just not as many people. Also, MASS Design recently came out with a guide for adapting existing buildings to balance infection control with social interaction that is a good resource: https://bit.ly/3nUf15P.

What are the better examples of new transitional spaces in the healthcare facility? (converting rooms, transforming entrances and waiting areas, segmenting public spaces, etc.)

The AIA led an effort this past year to develop several resources that address this, including a COVID-19 ArchMap that facilitates design sharing and innovation in response to the pandemic https://bit.ly/2J3OMLm

Are you seeing facilities converting their cubicle curtains from fabric to disposables in the wake of COVID-19?

When it comes to a clinic setting our goal moving forward is to eliminate privacy curtains in exam rooms. In new clinic designs, this is helped with using the door swing to help create privacy. We do know that there are some spaces that most likely will always need them: procedure rooms, blood draw, etc.

Can you describe what a true "terminal clean" looks like in a patient room in a post Covid world?

A terminal clean is not necessary for a COVID discharge clean. EVS follows the standard discharge cleaning protocol we have in place. We have decided to have team members wear proper PPE during the cleaning of a COVID discharge room. We hold the room to allow for enough air exchanges after COVID discharges (35 minutes for negative air pressure room and 60 minutes for non-negative air pressure rooms). If the room is a STAT, EVS can enter a COVID discharge room if they wear the proper PPE to include an N95 mask.

Shouldn't touchless technologies and real time air sensors that can detect viruses in the air be used more?

Touchless technologies like automatic doors, voice-activated elevators, hands-free light switches and temperature controls, etc., are ideal for stopping the spread of infection in healthcare settings. Many are already being used and should be used more. Sensors that can detect Covid-19 in the air are promising, but the technology is still very new and needs more development.

CSLive | Healthcare Design Strategies

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Healthcare Design Strategies for Our Current Reality

This interactive roundtable discussion with facility and design professionals Tama Duffy, Tushar Gupta and Victoria Navarro was led by healthcare design knowledge expert, Sara Marberry.

Here, come to understand how industry professionals are rethinking design strategies to ensure well-being and safety, among several other thought-provoking topics.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
- How do we rethink eldercare facilities in terms of how to build in better protection from the spread of viruses and not cut them off from family and other human interactions
  
  There's been a lot of thinking and discussion about this since the pandemic hit, but technology has a role to play in keeping people connected in eldercare facilities, as well as designing more outdoor spaces for people to congregate. Breaking communities down into smaller, independent households is also a strategy to allow residents to still be around people, just not as many people. Also, MASS Design recently came out with a guide for adapting existing buildings to balance infection control with social interaction that is a good resource: https://bit.ly/3nUf15P.
- What are the better examples of new transitional spaces in the healthcare facility? (converting rooms, transforming entrances and waiting areas, segmenting public spaces, etc.)
  
  The AIA led an effort this past year to develop several resources that address this, including a COVID-19 ArchMap that facilitates design sharing and innovation in response to the pandemic https://bit.ly/2J3OMLm
- Are you seeing facilities converting their cubicle curtains from fabric to disposables in the wake of COVID-19?
  
  When it comes to a clinic setting our goal moving forward is to eliminate privacy curtains in exam rooms. In new clinic designs, this is helped with using the door swing to help create privacy. We do know that there are some spaces that most likely will always need them: procedure rooms, blood draw, etc.
- Can you describe what a true "terminal clean" looks like in a patient room in a post Covid world?
  
  A terminal clean is not necessary for a COVID discharge clean. EVS follows the standard discharge cleaning protocol we have in place. We have decided to have team members wear proper PPE during the cleaning of a COVID discharge room. We hold the room to allow for enough air exchanges after COVID discharges (35 minutes for negative air pressure room and 60 minutes for non-negative air pressure rooms). If the room is a STAT, EVS can enter a COVID discharge room if they wear the proper PPE to include an N95 mask.
- Shouldn't touchless technologies and real time air sensors that can detect viruses in the air be used more?
  
  Touchless technologies like automatic doors, voice-activated elevators, hands-free light switches and temperature controls, etc., are ideal for stopping the spread of infection in healthcare settings. Many are already being used and should be used more. Sensors that can detect Covid-19 in the air are promising, but the technology is still very new and needs more development.

Featured Speakers

Sara Marberry

EDAC, Writer, Blogger, Marketing Consultant Sara Marberry LLC , Evanston, IL

Sara is a nationally known healthcare design knowledge expert. A frequent speaker, blogger, and tweeter, she is the author/editor of five books and has published more than 500 articles and blog posts. Sara is also a strategic marketing and business development consultant, working with companies and organizations in the healthcare and design industry. A founding board member of the nonprofit Center for Health Design (CHD), she also oversaw the Evidence-based Design Assessment and Certification (EDAC) program as EVP and COO. Sara was also a part of the team that launched the Environments for Aging conference.

Tama Duffy Day

FACHE, FASID, FIIDA, LEED AP. Principal, Health & Wellness Practice Leader at Gensler, Washington, D.C.

Tama Duffy Day is a principal and Health & Wellness leader at Gensler where she seeks to align the physical space with operational and brand strategies, driving to deliver the highest quality of experiences for patients, family and staff. Tama believes in the power of design to impact lives and enrich communities. She has received more than 50 awards and honors for her work and she also earned an MFA in interior design from Marymount University.

Victoria Navarro

MBA-HCM, Regional Director of Planning, Design and Construction, North Wisconsin, Advocate Aurora Health, Milwaukee, WI

Victoria is a Regional Director in the Planning, Design and Construction Department at Advocate Aurora Health, the 9th largest integrated not-for-profit health system in the United States. Spending most of her professional career in the planning, design and construction of health care facilities, Victoria provides strategic direction and oversight to capital construction projects including the management of healthcare facilities and corporate real estate portfolio. As a key team leader on the first LEED Healthcare Gold Certified hospital project in the Midwest, Victoria implemented standardized facility operations and room design.

Tushar Gupta

FAIA, Managing Principal, Houston & Design Principal, EYP Architecture & Engineering, Houston, TX

Tushar is also an award-winning Designer specializing in healthcare. He has committed his design talent toward health facilities and he influences the profession nationally, shaping the discourse on design for health. He was recognized in Building Design + Construction Magazine and Houston Business Journal’s 40 under 40. He was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows in 2019. Tushar is currently on the board of directors for the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health.