ICU design and

infrastructure
Dr Saurabh Debnath

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

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

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

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

Different zones in ICU

Patient care zone

Clinical support zone
Unit support zone
Family support zone

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

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

Patient care zone

Room dcor
Color schemes
Ceiling
Nature view
Clock
Calendar
Avoid geometric patterns/bold
patterns

Isolation
Isolation rooms for immunocompromised and highly infective
patients
Negative pressure isolation
Positive pressure isolation

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

Clinical support zone

Central location
Interdisciplinary team centre ITC
Storage space
Computer/High speed internet
PACS
Communication : telephone,
intercom
Wash station

Clinical support zone

Patient visibility
Central monitor
Remote monitoring (electronic ICU)
Computerized order entry
Mobile data entry device

Ancillary services

Pharmacy
Laboratory
Imaging
Transport
House keeping
Kitchen
Bio-medical

Specialized areas

Emergency equipment
Emergency drug cart
Dirty utilities storage
Clean utilities storage
Washroom
Procedure room

Unit support zone

Administrative functions
Multipurpose conference room
Staff support room
on-call room
staff lounge
lockers

Family support zone

Family lounge
Signage and way-finding
Environmental considerations
Consultation rooms
Meditation spaces
Family sleep rooms
Family nourishment

 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

Thank you