Post Covid-19 Out of Hospital Premises Design Strategies

With our recent projects designed and constructed during the pandemic of Covid-19, we have developed a design guideline to help physicians better understand the general rules of Infection and Prevention Control (IPAC) and in particular, how to streamlining Out-of-Hospital Premises Inspection Program (OHPIP) application in response to IPAC requirements in Ontario, Canada:

A. Technology to automate functions to limit touching shared surfaces. Install automatic faucets, hand towel dispensers, voice command equipment, etc.

B. “Absorptive pads’ to cover shared work surfaces to reduce contaminants.

C. Privacy panels in lieu of traditional hospital curtain that collect bacteria.

D.  Individual post-op and checkout for OHP patients to minimize traffic and patient contact. 

E. Install sanitizer stations at building entrances and throughout the facility.

F. Personal lockers, coat and shoe closets could be located near entrances to encourage the removal of street shoes and coats.

G. Microbial-resistant fabrics and materials, and non-porous and non-organic surfaces that respond well to the harsh cleaning products required for effective disinfection.

H. Separate access for medical staff to minimize contact with patients.

I. Installing or upgrading systems that act as continuous disinfectants to improve air quality by reducing airborne and surface contaminants.

J. Elongated power door operators that can be opened with a foot or mobility aid.