Communication and COVID‐19

Abstract

This chapter examines communication and evidence-based design (EBD) research, theory, and practice applicable to COVID-19. It also examines how frameworks of hazard control and risk perception can address pandemic responses in the design of healthcare systems. The chapter describes how the pandemic has affected typical hospital design, the use of communication technology in this new context, and how communication and EBD alter in times of crisis. Theories of public health and infection control have been driving the practice of healthcare for many years. A fundamental theory for understanding communication, COVID-19, and healthcare design would be systems theory. Risk and crisis communication scholars have long noted how the uncertainty of situations require adequate communication. Research findings indicate a relationship between built healthcare environments and patient care processes, quality, and care outcomes. The problem for epidemics and pandemics is the overwhelming number of contagious cases. © 2021 John Wiley and Sons Inc.