By Dan Hounsell

As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to come under control in many parts of the nation, healthcare facilities managers are getting more information on the impact the last 14 months will have on future facilities and operations.

For example, the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) recently released a white paper, Guidance for Designing Health and Residential Care Facilities that Respond and Adapt to Emergency Conditions, according to Medical Construction & Design. The document is the result of a collaboration of 130 volunteers representing multiple disciplines in healthcare, residential care and facility design.

FGI formed a committee to take a critical look at existing guideline requirements and recommendations on emergency preparedness, determine best practices and establish a new minimum standard on emergency preparedness and response for health and residential care facilities. The goal of the white paper is to help organizations respond to emergency events and plan mitigation strategies in anticipation of future emergency events.