By Dan Hounsell

Healthcare facilities will never be the same because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the most important question for managers is this: In what ways will the pandemic most affect the architecture, construction, maintenance and operations of new and existing healthcare facilities?

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare facilities to make rapid changes to their infrastructure and healthcare delivery systems, according to Medical Construction & Design

Consider the need to create healthier facilities. Healthcare systems doubled down on their commitment to population health by investing in healthy buildings that incorporate sustainable design components to improve the patient experience and outcomes, reduce emissions and decrease year-over-year facility costs. Healthy buildings have become an integral part of the fight against COVID-19 as they include features that keep buildings sanitized, promote a high air exchange rate and often have operable windows to improve air quality and infection control.