The American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA; Overland Park, Kan.) recently released a survey of its members to identify role of design in the COVID-19 healthcare crisis.

The survey of more than 100 ACHA members found that more than 63 percent of respondents helped clients evaluate alternative care sites and over 60 percent were called on to help healthcare systems increase capacity, with 28 percent creating more than 100 beds.

Looking to future design needs, 70 percent of respondents noted they believe design for mass-casualty patient surges will be an important element for hospitals in the future, and over 80 percent said that the telehealth boom would have a major impact on facility design.

Survey participants also identified upcoming challenges including how hospitals can be designed so normal operations, such as elective procedures, can continue through a pandemic and how healthcare and non-healthcare facilities can be designed to handle patient overflow in a more expedient fashion.

For the full results of the survey, go here.