Abstract

This literature review study aimed to develop a set of key evidence-based design recommendations to improve the efficiency and safety of emergency care for COVID-19. Keyword searches for relevant publications were conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed (including Medline), CINAHL, EBSCO, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria included: original research studies, research reviews, and expert opinions published in peer-reviewed journals; written in English; related to emergency care; and evaluation of environment design examples and considerations for the management and prevention of COVID-19. Emergency department (ED) design strategies for COVID-19 were emerging and evolving. A total of 41 design recommendations focusing on physical separation, virtual care, ventilation, cleanliness of environmental surfaces, and hand hygiene could potentially contribute to the efficiency and safety of care for COVID-19. A systems approach is needed to coordinate various design and operational strategies to maximize the benefits through multidisciplinary collaboration. The built environment played an important role in the management and prevention of COVID-19 infections. The recommendations will be valuable for healthcare organizations to better prepare for possible future crises involving similar respiratory infection outbreaks. Further research is needed to continue the development and rigorous evaluation of design innovations.