Future Healthcare Facility Design: Fixing the broken healthcare system post COVID-19

Abstract

Design-Shift Alert: Moving away from "rigid and constrained facilities" towards "flexible and adaptable facilities" that can be built up fast in an emergency. At the time of COVID-19, there was a dire need for facility renovations. Immediate facility adaptations were required all around the world to cope with the inflow of patients infected with highly contagious virus and to segregate hospitalized patients using negative pressure chambers for respiratory isolation. Never has healthcare design changed as swiftly as it had during the COVID-19 epidemic. Although it is impossible to provide better health in these times, the healthcare facilities could be designed flexible to accommodate the needs of handling and caring for huge numbers of patients while still providing the bare minimum of care. This paper attempts to discuss different parameters to improve the Indian healthcare system. The method includes state of the art analysis of collapsible systems and then future forecast some ideas for more complex scenarios. The study opens a discussion for the facility planners and designers in the field of health care. It aims to find future solutions for healthcare design in the country. “It is all about connecting the unconnected” –Author