1. ICU design and infrastructure
Dr Saurabh Debnath

2. What is an ICU
• specially staffed and equipped area of a
hospital
• dedicated to the management of patients with
life-threatening illnesses, injuries or
complications
• concentrating the sickest patients in one area
is beneficial

3. ICU is not just a ward
• dedicated medical, nursing and allied health
staff
• defined policies and procedures
• quality improvement, continuing education
and research programmes
• provides an integrated service to the hospital
• without which many programmes (e.g. cardiac
surgery, trauma, transplantation) could not
function

4. Variations in ICUs
• Level 3 : dedicated Neuro
Coronary care
Cardiac surgery
Pediaric
Neonatal
• Level 2 : High dependency Unit
• Level 1

5. ICU position
• Near relevant acute care areas
• Safe transport facilities : Horizontal
Vertical
• Lifts, Doors, Corridors
• Single entry and exit point
• Manned by unit receptionist
• Whole area = 3 times the patient care area

6. Different zones in ICU
• Patient care zone
• Clinical support zone
• Unit support zone
• Family support zone

7. Patient care zone
• Per bed space : 4 feet at head and leg end
6 feet on either side
• Outlets per bed space : 4 oxygen
3 air
3 suction
16-20 power outlets
• Flat, Column, Boom configuration
• Multi panel monitor
• Bedside illumination

8. Patient care zone
• Natural light : large clear windows
• Diminish glare
• Diminish sound levels
• Air-conditioning : emphasis on patient
comfort
• Beds : multi-functional
• Single vs Multibed rooms
• Data entry desk

9. Patient care zone
• Room décor
• Color schemes
• Ceiling
• Nature view
• Clock
• Calendar
• Avoid geometric patterns/bold patterns

10. Isolation
• Isolation rooms for immuno-compromised
and highly infective patients
• Negative pressure isolation
• Positive pressure isolation

11. Pet visitation
• Shown to be therapeutic
• Particularly useful for long term patients
• Clear hospital policies are mandated

12. Clinical support zone
• Central location
• Interdisciplinary team centre “ITC”
• Storage space
• Computer/High speed internet
• PACS
• Communication : telephone, intercom
• Wash station

13. Clinical support zone
• Patient visibility
• Central monitor
• Remote monitoring (electronic ICU)
• Computerized order entry
• Mobile data entry device

14. Ancillary services
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Imaging
• Transport
• House keeping
• Kitchen
• Bio-medical

15. Specialized areas
• Emergency equipment
• Emergency drug cart
• Dirty utilities storage
• Clean utilities storage
• Washroom
• Procedure room

16. Unit support zone
• Administrative functions
• Multipurpose conference room
• Staff support room
on-call room
staff lounge
lockers

17. Family support zone
• Family lounge
• Signage and way-finding
• Environmental considerations
• Consultation rooms
• Meditation spaces
• Family sleep rooms
• Family nourishment

18. • Design of critical care facilities has an impact
on : organizational performance
clinical outcomes
cost of care delivery
• engage experienced consultants who will
collaborate with the users and make key
design decisions on the basis of best current
evidence

19. Thank you