Designing the ambulatory endoscopy center.

Abstract

Designing the ambulatory endoscopy center (AEC) covers the factors necessary to develop a design for a full-service endoscopy service based on patient comfort and physician/staff efficiency. The article deals with the flow of the patient, physician, staff, and materials through an efficient AEC. Detailed information of the design rules that must be followed and the entities that will review and license the AEC are included. The design of the AEC from the parking lot to the exit from the AEC is discussed. A complete space program is presented to help the reader determine the rooms in the center and the total area required for the center. The functional relationship diagram included in the article will help the reader understand the relationship of one room to another in the AEC. The philosophy behind the design and functional relationships is discussed in detail.