No matter what side of the aisle you fall on, we’re collectively amid a time in American history that doesn’t feel a whole lot like anything we’ve seen before.

Last month’s presidential election revealed a divisiveness in this country that few realized ran so deep, and triggered some memorable Thanksgiving dinner conversations (at my house, at least). Meanwhile, President-elect Donald J. Trump is filling Cabinet positions and preparing for his Jan. 20 inauguration, signaling that change is indeed afoot.

And as we all wait to see what the future holds, it’s not just the 24-hour cable news pundits attempting to tease out a few solid projections on what’s to come.

Uncertainty is never a welcome guest at a healthcare project planning meeting, but Trump’s voiced support of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought it to the table, leaving industry members to speculate on what this means for all of us. It was a topic that came up time and time again during our recent Healthcare Design Expo & Conference in Houston.

Specifically, will the potential for yet more reform stall capital improvement projects? I reached out to our Editorial Advisory Board recently for their opinions on the matter. The short answer: Yes. (For more board insight, visit HCDmagazine.com/blogs/new-administration-new-uncertainty.)

However, this reality is tempered by a few other things. First, nothing is likely to happen overnight, which means providers will require guidance on the types of projects to pursue in the interim that support strategic initiatives and modern care delivery. Additionally, it’s expected that a pay-for-value system is here to stay, which only further enhances the need for proven, effective design solutions that support positive outcomes. So while there may be some stalling, it’s unlikely we’ll see a breakdown.

As the industry braces for what’s to come and settles into new tactical roles, we’re doing the same here at Healthcare Design as we bolster the brand in 2017. I’m excited to take the helm as editor-in-chief, as my predecessor, Kristin D. Zeit, now leads us as publisher. Join me in congratulating our staff on their own promotions, too: Anne DiNardo is our new executive editor and Shandi Matambanadzo is managing editor.

Let me know how we can best support you in what’s to come at jennifer.silvis@emeraldexpo.com. It’s critical that providers and the design community come together to identify the shrewdest, most cost-effective ways to manage change while creating responsive care environments. We’ll be here to guide you along the way.