Lessons from the first wave of COVID-19 in Italy: A collection of design strategies to face pandemic situations in healthcare facilities.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to provide metadesign indications for the improvement of healthcare facilities, emphasizing the role of spatial design in the management of epidemic health emergencies.

STUDY DESIGN

A parallel mixed-method study including literature reviews, survey creation, and survey distribution was performed.

METHODS

Data were collected between August and October 2020 capturing information related to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a review of existing literature, a comparison of existing hospital planning guidelines and assessment tools, and distribution of a survey to analyze design changes within selected Italian hospitals.

RESULTS

Among the changes identified, the most frequently identified included the conversion of space into intensive care units, space expansion, and the usage of wayfinding strategies for the reduction of cross-contamination risks. There was limited attention given to solutions with a human-centered approach, and those that addressed physical and psychological well-being of all users, including healthcare staff. The solutions were collected and systematized into a list of metadesign guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The resulting indications represent a starting point for developing design solutions to aid healthcare facilities in facing future epidemics.