Space Allocation in the Award-Winning Adult ICUs of the Last Two Decades (1993-2012): An Exploratory Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study describes space allocation among different generic categories of functions in adult intensive care units (ICUs) showing how the amount of space of any one functional category is related to that of another functional category, and how different strategic choices, such as size, construction type, specialty type, and layout type, affect space allocation in these ICUs. BACKGROUND: Even though critical care practice has already undergone significant changes in the last few decades, it is still an evolving domain of medical practice. As a result, ICU design is also evolving as new regulatory standards, new technologies, and new clinical models are being introduced. A good understanding of the above issues regarding space allocation may help us better guide the evolution of ICU design. METHODS: The study includes a set of 25 adult ICUs that were recognized between 1993 and 2012 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN), and the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health (AIA AAH) for their efforts to promote healing of the critically ill and injured patients through the design of the critical care unit environment. RESULTS: The study finds notable differences in space allocation among different generic categories of functions between the ICUs of the first decade (1993–2002) and the second decade (2003–2012). The study also finds notable differences in space allocation among different generic categories of functions in relation to size, construction type, specialty type, and layout type. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several limitations, the study should help design better adult ICUs based on an evidence-based understanding of the relationships between space allocation and strategic choices.