Construction and Remodeling in the Healthcare Environment: The Critical Role of the Healthcare Epidemiologist

Abstract

Healthcare facilities continuously undergo construction and renovation work to upgrade aging infrastructure and expand the delivery of healthcare to accommodate population increases and new treatments and technologies. Healthcare planning and design can help or hinder infection prevention and control (IPAC) efforts. Patient separation, room size and layouts, room fixtures and finishes, indoor air quality, and water system design can all support IPAC best practices when planned appropriately. It is imperative that Infection Prevention and Control Professionals be a part of the multidisciplinary planning and design team to provide guidance on essential principles related to the prevention of pathogen transmission.