Guidelines for intensive care unit design

Abstract

Objectives: To develop guidelines that can serve as a reference for healthcare institutions wishing to design a new intensive care unit (ICU) or modify an existing ICU. Data Sources: Medical, nursing, and architectural/design literatures from 1975 to the present related to ICU structure and function; current regulatory standards; consensus opinion of physicians, nurses, and architects with expertise in the ICU environment. Data Synthesis: Preference was given to regulatory standards and outcomes- based studies. If none was found, studies showing trends or preferences were combined with consensus opinion to derive models combining cost-efficiency and function. Conclusions: ICU design should reflect a multidisciplinary team approach by physician, nursing, administrative, and technical personnel. An optimum ICU design is described herein. Acceptable variations are indicated and essential aspects are emphasized.