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Critical Care
Graphic StandardsProgramming and Schematic Design
June 1999
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Function 3
Staff 4
Advantages ofMovable Modular Casework 5
Functional Areas 6Nurses Station 6
Medication Preparation 8
Nourishment/Nutrition 9
Patient Room 10
Isolation Room 11
Equipment Storage 12
Clean Utility 13
Soiled Utility 14
Satellite Lab 15
Satellite Pharmacy 16
Administrative Office 17
Conference Room 17
Waiting Area/Lounge 18
Family Consultation 18
Functional Program 19
Bubble Diagram 20
Block Diagram 21
Preliminary Plan 22
Schematic Plan 23
Future Trends 24
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Function
FunctionFrom the beginning of organized nursingcare, it was recognized that nurses were
able to provide the best nursing care if
the sickest patients were placed closest tothe nurses station, often with a higher
nurse/patient ratio for these patients.
From this concept, both the surgicalrecovery room and the critical care unit
have developed and withstood the test of
time.
Critical care units are patient units
responsible for a specifically defined and
limited number of acutely ill, unstable, orpotentially unstable patients who require
constant instrument monitoring and a
core of full-time nurses and staff withspecialized training.
Critical care units are intensive and
stressful environments, and it is commonfor these patients to experience multiple
“emergencies” during their stay.
Accordingly, these units are normallyequipped and provided with a much
higher quantity of medical/surgical
supplies, a larger variety of medications,and more types of support equipment and
procedure capabilities in order to deal
with this high incidence of “emergen-cies” without a time delay.
Patient stays in the critical care unit are
usually short, and once a stable conditionis maintained, they are transferred to
another appropriate patient unit.
The most common critical care unitsinclude cardiac care units (CCUs) and
intensive care units (ICUs). The larger
and more specialized hospitals willprovide more specialized types of critical
care.
Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU)
This medical unit is most frequentlyfound in regions of the country subject to
environmental stress (smog) and/or
industrial conditions (mines, chemicalplants), and care is directed toward
patients with severe respiratory illnesses.
Burn Unit
This highly specialized unit cares
exclusively for victims of burn accidentsand their constant need for intense
infection control. This unit often contains
an operating room for skin grafting anddebridement, as well as hydrotherapy
equipment.
Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
This surgical unit cares for patients who
have undergone neurological or cerebralsurgery.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
This unit provides exclusive care to the
premature and/or distressed newborn.
Transitional Care Unit(TCU/Step-Down Unit)
The focus of this unit may vary among
hospitals, but care is usually given to the
stabilized “graduate” of the critical careunit, who still needs more nursing care
than that provided on the standard patient
unit.
Types of Critical Care Units
A small community hospital may have
one or two critical care units; one forgeneral intensive care and one for
coronary care. Larger regional and/or
teaching hospitals may have severalspecialty critical care units. The most
common are the following:
Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
This unit will usually treat acutely ill
patients with medical diseases orproblems such as diabetes, drug
reactions, respiratory infections, and
cerebral vascular conditions.
Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
Patients in this unit will have had majorsurgical procedures or complications
requiring more than the normal post-
operative care.
Coronary/Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
This unit is a specialized medical unitrestricted to patients with acute cardiac
conditions.
Cardiovascular/Open Heart Unit (CVU)
This unit is a specialized surgical unit for
patients following open-heart or majorvascular surgery.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Patients in this unit range in age from the
newborn (excluding neonates) to sixteen
years of age, and cover a wide range ofpediatric medical and surgical acute
illnesses. Children require specialized
and unique nursing care and need to beisolated from adult intensive care units.
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Staff
StaffPhysician Staff
Physicians
The physician coverage consists of the
attending physician and the appropriate
house staff. Because of the complexity ofillnesses, there may be many specialized
consulting physicians, (e.g., a neurolo-
gist) and a chief physician assigned to theunit to oversee the medical practices of
the unit.
Nursing Staff
Nurse Manager
The nurse manager, sometimes called
head nurse or nursing care coordinator, is
a professional registered nurse (RN),often with advanced education, training,
and experience in critical care nursing.
This position is responsible for themanagement of the entire unit, including
the standards of patient care, capabilities
of the nursing staff, and consultation andinterface with the medical staff on patient
care problems.
Assistant Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse
The charge nurse is a professional
registered nurse (RN), usually withadditional training and experience, and is
the primary resource or management
staff on a particular work shift. Theresponsibilities of the charge nurse are
similar to those of the nurse manager for
day-to-day operations.
Staff Nurse
The staff nurse is a registered nurse (RN)with the primary responsibility for the
total management of the patient’s care, or
a portion of that care, including theadministration of standard nursing
procedures and treatments, and the
evaluation of the patient’s condition andresponses to treatments.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN),
licensed practical nurses (LPN), or
patient care assistants, having less skilledtraining and education than RNs, are
responsible for only those duties
appropriate to their experience. Patientcare is supervised by the RN.
Support Staff
Unit Secretary/Clerk
Clerical staff within the critical care unit
perform such tasks as receptionist,
physician order entry, filing of reports,telephone communication, and
coordinating administrative activities.
Unit Staff
Technicians, orderlies, and volunteers
assist staff nurses in the routine andsimple tasks in caring for patients, always
under the supervision of an RN.
Support Staff
A variety of other ancillary staff may
have limited functions on the unit, suchas IV therapists, phlebotomists,
respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and
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Advantages of Movable Modular Casework
Financial Advantages
The initial cost of movable modularcasework is competitive with fixedcasework or millwork. However, thelife cycle cost of movable modularcasework is far less than fixedcasework because of
· Longer product life.
· Minimal maintenance cost.
· Continual reuse of thecomponents for new or different
functions.
· Ability to install and reconfigurewith little downtime.
· Accelerated depreciation rate,
especially important to “for-profit” organizations.
For preliminary budget purposes,
movable modular casework for acritical care unit has an average
price in the range of $320 to $479
per linear foot.
This range will be affected by the
density of overhead and under-
counter storage components and thetype of support structure used (wall-
mounted versus panels).
Movable Modular Casework
The use of movable modular casework inthe critical care unit offers the followingmajor advantages and differences whencompared with fixed casework ormillwork:
· Ability to reuse, relocate, or
reconfigure all components asfunctions change.
· Better use of vertical space where
needed.
· Individual parts replaceable.
Additionally, movable modular casework
can be used advantageously in threedistinct functional areas:
· Med prep areas.
· Nurses station.
· Storage of medical/surgical supplies.
Med Prep Areas
Movable modular casework com-
ponents provide a transport system for
replenishment or exchange of medica-tions as well as a double-locking
capability for securing controlled
substances and narcotics.
Cantilevered workstations with modular
drawers, cassettes, and sinks provide
space for mixing IVs or preparingmedications.
Advantages of Movable Modular CaseworkHospital critical care units may differ somewhat in square footage, method of operation,and staffing based on the size of the hospital, type of hospital, and scope of services, but
each hospital’s critical care units have certain functional areas in common. The following
pages describe the advantages of movable modular casework, give a brief description ofthe functional areas of critical care units, and provide typical plan views of movable
modular casework applications.
Nurses Station
The nurses station designed using movablemodular casework provides the flexibility toaccommodate the changes in technology andin nursing care philosophy:
· Ability to install and reconfigure to meetchanging needs and staffing requirements.
· Ability to accommodate and continuallychange the numbers and sizes of monitorsand patient information systems.
· Unlimited electrical capabilities as well asquick and easy access to electrical power.
· Integral interior and exterior lighting.
· Integral computer support componentssuch as keyboard trays, turntables, etc.
· Integral form trays and chart racks ascomponents of the modular system.
Medical/Surgical Supply Storage
The storage of medical/surgical supplies in acritical care unit is located as close to thepatient’s bedside as possible with a widevariety of back-up supplies located in a cleanutility room, medication, and/or treatmentroom. Movable modular caseworkcomponents function as a movable system,utilizing a variety of cart sizes for handlingprocedures and supplies:
· Lockers for replenishment or exchange.
· L carts.
· Procedure/supply carts.
· Bulk supply carts.
· Crash carts.
· Wire carts.
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Functional AreasNurses Station
The nurses station is the critical care
unit’s communication center, with acentral location in the unit, allowing full
vision of all patient beds and quick
access to patients. The location should beimmediately identifiable to visitors, staff,
and patients and located in a position to
control personnel traffic, access topatient rooms, and delivery and retrieval
of supplies and medications.
The critical care unit nurses station iscommonly considered a workstation for
centralization of administrative tasks
associated with patient care. Nursesstations are generally busy, intense
environments that support many
functions, processes, staff members, andpieces of equipment.
Within the nurses station, the staff
manages patient records and charts,communicates regarding the patient’s
condition, views patient monitors, orders
tests and treatments, and dispensesmedications.
Nurses stations tend to be most
congested during the first and secondshifts when physicians are making
rounds, visitors are present, tests and
medications are ordered, specimens arecollected, and most supplies are being
delivered or retrieved.
Hospitals may decentralize nursesstations to place activities and supplies
closer to patients. Decentralized stations
tend to support a sub-set of activitiesfound in the central workstation.
Nurses Station
Doctors’ Dictation
An area, usually a sit-down area with someacoustical control and access to
telephones, should be provided for
physicians to review patients’ charts,dictate progress notes, and write patient
orders.
Charting
A stand-up or sit-down area should be
provided with access to patient charts bynurses and physicians. This area is
generally maintained by the unit clerk or
unit secretary. With the advent of bedsidecomputerized patient charting, there may
be a reduction of the charting space
required within the nurses station.
Cart Storage
An area must be provided to store andquickly access crash carts and procedure
carts. This area should be accessible to
supplies for restocking carts and haveelectrical access to maintain rechargeable
equipment.
Regulations for Nurses Stations
National, state, and local legislation/codes
will impact planning decisions such as
· The requirements for regular- or
hospital-grade electrical receptacles.
· The amount of paper stored in thenurses station.
· Access for persons with disabilities.
· Prevention of cumulative traumadisorders (CTDs).
· Accommodation of appropriate
ergonomic principles into computer/monitor work areas.
Monitor Station
This is the most rapidly changing area ofthe critical care unit. There is continual
change in size and numbers of monitors
due to constant changes in monitoringtechnology. The size, activity, space
requirements, and number and types of
monitors in a nurses station will varywith the number of beds and the acuity
level of the patients it serves. Often the
monitor station will require a separateroom for the CPU (with uninterrupted
power source) and electrical equipment
(printers, etc.).
There are two methods for integrating
monitors with nursing care. Unit staffing
may require nurses to view both thepatient and the monitor. The alternative
is a monitor station which requires a
technician dedicated solely tocontinuous viewing of patient monitors.
Because of the stress of the responsibil-
ity and fatigue incurred in the repetitivenature of the work, the layout of the
monitor station will need to include such
ergonomic considerations as
· Viewing range, heights, and angles.
· Dissipation of heat generated by the
equipment.
· Monitor screen glare and overhead
lighting.
· Seating appropriate for three shiftsof personnel.
· Distractions from other areas.
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Nurses Station
Plan View of a Nurses Station
The nurses station will vary insize and configuration
depending on the number of
patients it serves and thecomplexity of the equipment it
must accommodate. A critical
care unit nurses station willrange in size from 1200 to 2400
square feet.
92 linear feet work surface
8 linear feet overhead
storage
400 filing inches
4 lockers
1750 square feet
Movable Modular Casework and Furniture Systems Applications
A modular frame system may be used for the structural design of the nurses station
with the following components as required:
· Cantilevered work surfaces.
· Monitor shelves and angled monitor
work surfaces.
· Computer tools and keyboard trays.
· Unlimited high- and low-voltage
electrical capabilities, includingintegration with emergency power
systems.
• Maximum cable management.
· Pass-through chart shelves.
· Internal task lighting.
· External identification lighting.
· Lateral filing components.
· Procedure and crash carts.
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Medication Preparation
Plan View of a MedicationPreparation Area
A medication preparation area will range
in size from 80 to 200 square feet.
25 linear feet work surface
2 emergency carts
2 procedure carts
2 medication carts
152 square feet
Movable Modular Casework Applications
These areas may vary from unit to unit. The amounts and types of medical supplies
stored here also will vary depending on the type of replenishment or exchange systemused. Movable modular casework components can be used for work areas and storage
and may include
Medication Preparation
The medication preparation area in
critical care is similar to a general
medical unit except that it may includemore STAT drugs of all types and more
IVs and injectables than oral unit dose
medication.
A refrigerator, usually under the counter,
is required for medications that require
temperature control. There also will be aneed for a lockbox for controlled
substances.
It is common to find medication storedby the patient’s bedside so it is
immediately accessible rather than on a
medication cart.
Medications may also be inventoried in
an automated dispensing machine.
· Cantilevered work surfaces with
modular drawers or cassettes.
· Lockers with drawers or cassettes.
· Medication cart.
· Double-locking drawers for the
necessary security of controlled
substances and narcotic medications.
· Cantilevered sink unit.
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Nourishment/Nutrition
Nourishment/Nutrition
Critical care patients are frequently fed
intravenously so there is less need here
for a dedicated nourishment room.Regardless of its size and location, there
will be a need for an ice machine,
refrigerator, and space to prepare tubefeedings.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular casework components
can be used for work areas and storageand may include
· Cantilevered work surfaces with
drawers.
· Overhead shelving.
· Cantilevered sink unit.
Plan View of a Nourishment/NutritionArea
A nourishment/nutrition area will rangein size from 80 to 150 square feet.
12 linear feet work surface
16 linear feet overhead storage
80 square feet
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Patient Room
Patient Room
Critical care patient rooms are generally
larger to accommodate large amounts of
equipment and supplies and will varyaccording to the unit’s specialty. The most
common environment is a ward with beds
sectioned (for privacy) by cubicle curtainsand a nurses station placed in the center of
the room allowing full view of the
patients.
Often, critical care units will have
individual patient rooms, usually with
video monitors (allowing nurses to viewpatients) or a glass wall on the front of the
patient room to ensure visibility. Cardiac
and other units may dim the lighting at alltimes to maximize patient sleep.
Usually, any necessary minor surgical
procedures are performed here to avoidmoving the patient to another area.
Treatment rooms are generally not found
on critical care units; treatment is usuallyconfined to the patient’s room.
There generally is a “headwall” behind
each patient’s bed or a freestanding utilitycolumn to mount monitors and equipment
and to supply suction, air, oxygen, and
regular electrical and emergency electricalservices.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular components for the patient room may include
Plan View of a Patient Room
Patient rooms will range in size from160 to 250 square feet.
6 linear feet work surface
10 linear feet overhead storage
1 L cart or C frame storage unit
for bedside storage
1 locker for supplies
210 square feet
· Bedside supplies placed in an L cartwith drawers or in a C frame storage
unit hung on a rail next to the bed.
· Locker within or adjacent to thepatient room to house immediate
necessary supplies and linen.
· Cantilevered work surface or mobiletable with a keyboard tray as a station
for nurse charting done on a bedside
computer.
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Isolation Room
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular components within an
isolation room may include
· L cart with drawers used as a bedside
stand for general patient care items,
such as bed pan and wash basin.
· L cart with C frame storage unit and
drawers placed in an anteroom or
outside in the hall and used as anisolation cart to hold gowns, masks,
head coverings, and gloves for staff
entering the isolation room.
· Locker placed in an anteroom to
house necessary medical/surgical
supplies.
Plan View of an Isolation Room
An isolation room will range in size from
160 to 300 square feet.
8 linear feet work surface
12 linear feet overhead storage
1 L cart or C frame storage unitfor bedside storage
1 locker for supplies
1 isolation cart
280 square feet
Isolation Room
Isolation rooms are used by patients with
highly communicable diseases or those
who are unusually susceptible toinfection.
Cleanliness and contamination are key
concerns in these rooms. Only the mostnecessary supplies are stored in these
rooms. An anteroom is provided, usually
with a sink and protective clothingsupplies for those entering the room.
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Equipment Storage
An equipment storage room is often
available on critical care units and is
relatively large because of the largeamount of equipment used here (e.g.,
ventilators, dialysis machines, cardiac
and respiratory equipment, etc.). Much ofthe equipment must be accessible to
electrical outlets to maintain battery
charges.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular casework components
can be used to store large and smallequipment and may include
· Modular shelving units.
· Bulk supply carts.
Plan View of an Equipment StorageRoom
An equipment storage room will range insize from 120 to 250 square feet.
16 linear feet storage
1 bulk supply cart
180 square feet
Equipment Storage
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Clean Utility
Plan View of a Clean Utility Room
A clean utility room will range in size
from 120 to 200 square feet.
8 linear feet work surface
16 linear feet overhead storage
5 lockers
1 bulk supply cart
145 square feet
Clean Utility
The clean utility room on the critical care
unit requires more space than provided
on medical/surgical units; many moresupplies, linens, procedure trays, and
procedure carts are used on critical care
units.
The more specialized the unit, the more
specialized are the supplies stored for
future use. This room may or may nothave a sink depending on codes.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular casework components can be used for work areas and storage and
may include
· Cantilevered work surfaces with
drawers.
· Extra-deep modular shelving units.
· Lockers for medical supplies and
linen.
· Bulk supply carts.
· Procedure carts.
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Soiled Utility
Plan View of a Soiled Utility Room
A soiled utility room will range in sizefrom 120 to 200 square feet.
6 linear feet work surface
6 linear feet overhead storage
155 square feet
Soiled Utility
The soiled utility room houses the soiled
linen and used equipment and supplies
awaiting collection for disposal orreprocessing. This room typically has a
sink and a flushing-rim sink.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Movable modular components can be used for work areas and overhead storage
including
· Cantilevered work surfaces with
drawers.
• Cantilevered sink unit.
· CST frame storage units or extra-
deep modular shelving units foroverhead storage.
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Satellite Lab
Plan View of a Satellite Lab
A satellite lab will range in size from
150 to 400 square feet.
43 linear feet work surface
65 linear feet overhead storage
1 locker (optional)
332 square feet
Movable Modular Casework Applications
Work areas can be different configura-
tions based on the size and space of thecritical care unit the satellite lab services
and generally require
· Stand-up and sit-down work surfacesfor specimen preparation.
· Heavy-duty work surfaces and/or
process tables for automatedinstruments.
· Process tables at seated height for
microscope use.
· Overhead shelving for reagents and
manuals.
Satellite Lab
A satellite lab makes it possible to
decentralize a lab’s services to respond
quickly to a department’s specific needs.These labs usually will have “mini”
versions of the chemistry, hematology,
and urinalysis areas found in the primarylab.
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Satellite Pharmacy
Satellite Pharmacy
A small satellite pharmacy may exist on
the critical care unit. This decentraliza-
tion of the pharmacy function allows formore rapid response to the needs of the
patient and allows the pharmacist more
involvement in the clinical therapy of thepatient.
The satellite pharmacy is staffed,
stocked, and serviced by the primarypharmacy department.
The space will vary in size but will
usually contain a small drug picking area,sink, refrigerator, computer, printer, label
printer, and controlled substance storage.
Some satellite pharmacy areas may havea small laminar flow hood.
Modular carts are appropriate for the
transfer of medications to the satellitepharmacy.
Movable Modular Casework Applications
The same movable modular casework
components used in the main pharmacyare appropriate for the satellite
pharmacy, allowing for continual
flexibility and change in the space.
Plan View of a Satellite Pharmacy
A satellite pharmacy will range in sizefrom 120 to 250 square feet.
18 linear feet work surface
28 linear feet overhead storage
80 drug bins average
1 medication cart
1 locker
140 square feet
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Administrative Office, Conference Room
Administrative Office
There may be a need for private offices
within the units for small conferences
and meetings with staff that require someprivacy and confidentiality.
Movable Modular Casework andFurniture Systems Applications
Administrative offices may be furnishedwith modular furniture systems and
seating.
Either full-height fixed, demountablewalls or freestanding modular panels are
appropriate.
Consistency between systems used inadministrative and clinical areas allows
for compatibility and flexibility when
dealing with future changes.
Plan View of anAdministrative Office
An administrative office will
range in size from 90 to 120square feet.
8 linear feet work surface
12 linear feet overheadstorage
40 filing inches
93 square feet
Movable Modular Casework andFurniture Systems Applications
These areas may be furnished with
modular furniture systems and seating.
Conference Room
Critical care units may require a variety
of meeting spaces. These areas range
from large rooms for staff meetings tosmaller rooms where physicians or
nurses consult with a patient’s family
members.
Plan View of a Conference Room
A conference room will range in size
from 150 to 300 square feet.
12 linear feet work surface
24 linear feet overhead storage
80 filing inches
220 square feet
Shelf storage, tackboards, and markerboards are helpful in these rooms.
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Waiting Area/Lounge, Family Consultation
Waiting Area/Lounge
Waiting rooms and lounges may be
available for visitors of one or more
units. Sometimes critical care units willhave smaller private areas for family
members who spend extended time at the
hospital.
The areas should be accessible to public
phones. Seating generally is organized in
small groupings. A workstation usually isprovided for the volunteer assigned to the
information desk.
Movable Modular Casework andFurniture Systems Applications
These areas may be furnished with
modular furniture systems and seating.
Freestanding modular panels areappropriate to divide the space into
smaller, more private groupings.
Plan View of a Waiting Area/Lounge
A waiting area/lounge will range in size
from 160 to 300 square feet.
216 square feet
Family Consultation
Critical care units tend to have one room
designated for private meetings with
family members or for patient home caretraining.
Movable Modular Casework andFurniture Systems Applications
These areas may be furnished withmodular furniture systems and seating
and may include a table, marker board,
shelving, and comfortable seating.
Plan View of a FamilyConsultation Room
A family consultation room
will range in size from100 to 150 square feet.
4 linear feet storage
125 square feet
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Functional Program
Functional Program
Number Department Area Square Feet
Movable Modular Casework
Nurses Stations @________ sq. ft.
Dictation Areas @________ sq. ft.
Medication Preparation Areas @________ sq. ft.
Nourishment/Nutrition Areas @________ sq. ft.
Patient Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Isolation Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Equipment Storage Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Clean Utility Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Soiled Utility Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Satellite Labs @________ sq. ft.
Satellite Pharmacies @________ sq. ft.
Staff Toilets @________ sq. ft.
Janitor’s Closet
Subtotal
Modular Furniture Systems
Administrative Offices @________ sq. ft.
Conference Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Waiting Areas/Lounges @________ sq. ft.
Family Consultation Rooms @________ sq. ft.
Subtotal
TOTAL NET SQUARE FEET
Net-to-Gross Conversion Factor X
TOTAL GROSS SQUARE FEET
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Bubble DiagramThe bubble diagram of the criticalcare unit demonstrates typical
departmental relationships and
interaction between areas.Necessary adjacencies within the
department become clear.
Bubble Diagram
NURSES STATION
NOURISH
ADMIN CONFERENCE
EQUIPMENT
MEDICATION
FAMILYCONSULTATION
PATIENT ROOMS
WAITING
CLEANUTILITY
SOILEDUTILITY
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Block Diagram
Block DiagramThe block diagram demonstrates the adjacencies and relative sizes for the areas withina typical critical care unit. Evaluation of the work flow and materials flow from the
bubble diagram has determined this initial general layout.
The size of each area is determined by combining the typical movable modularcasework plans for each identified function. Traffic patterns are developed, and an
overview of the general work process can be evaluated.
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Preliminary Plan
Preliminary PlanThe preliminary plan clarifies the criticalcare unit space requirements by showing
the location of all the fixed walls and
open areas and identifies entrances, exits,and exact traffic patterns.
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Schematic Plan
Schematic PlanThe schematic plan shows all of thespecific movable modular casework,
modular furniture systems, and materials
handling components appropriate for atypical critical care unit.
NURSES STATION
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Future Trends
Methods of Patient Care
Nursing care is moving toward the
“patient-focused” care concept. The
emphasis of this concept creates a non-institutional environment, breaking down
barriers between the staff and the patient,
bringing services to the patient ratherthan taking the patient to the services,
and encouraging family interactions with
the staff and patient.
Critical care units moving toward this
method of nursing care will be creating
new spaces for social, educational, andfunctional activities and providing an
atmosphere of comfort, dignity, and
control for the individual patient and thefamily:
· Traditional nurses stations will
change due to the use of bedsidecomputers for documentation of
patient care, and conference areas
will increase so the family can playan active part in the care plan.
· More medical supplies, linen, and
individual patient medications maybe stored in closer proximity to the
patient room.
· Satellite pharmacies are becoming anintegral part of critical care units.
Future TrendsIncreased Levels ofAcuity in Patients
Because of the increasingly aging
population, there will continue to be an
increase in the level of acuity of theinpatient census. The census of the
critical care units will continue to rise.
The treatment of these more acutely illpatients will continue to require
increased supplies, medications, and
support staff on the critical care units.
Healthcare delivery will continue to
move toward being a more high-risk
business, forcing extensive newregulations and policies, and thus
continue to produce constant changes in
medical procedures and nursingfunctions performed on the critical care
units.
New Technologies
Rapidly changing technology, new
instrumentation, and more sophisticated
methods of treatment will necessitate re-evaluation of the use of space, movement
of supplies and inventories, and
particularly the ability to make rapidchanges with minimal downtime. For
example, automated medication
dispensing machines are appearing oncritical care units.
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and Wild Card are among the registered trademarks of Herman Miller, Inc.
™ Y, Aeron Chair Configuration, Ambassador, Burdick Group, Chadwick, CLT, CoActive, DIAMOND,
Flex-Edge, Florence, ID, Iota, Milafin, Myriad, Passage, Potomac, Puzzle, Q, Raleigh, Rapunzel, and
Traverse are among the trademarks of Herman Miller, Inc.
SM OASIS is a service mark of Herman Miller, Inc.