Guidelines for Design: Mapping Out the Ideal Clinical Engineering Department

Abstract

It has been an almost magical meeting with your administrator. You have been invited to meet with the architects and space planners next week, not to discuss a new clinical area and the required medical technology, but to discuss space and design for a new clinical engineering department and biomed shop. Unfortunately, more often than not, the bubble bursts fairly quickly when during the space planning meeting you are asked dozens of questions about what you do, how you do it, what space you need, why, where are the standards, etc. Unlike most other hospital areas, there is no set state or federal standards for square footage for clinical engineering (or facility engineering) support services. When an architect or space planner meets with a nurse to discuss a new intensive care unit (ICU), the architect already has some ideas as to the requirements for square footage of an intensive care unit area and patient room, number of power receptacles, medical gasses, and other support systems required. Unfortunately, that information is typically not available for the architect for your new clinical engineering department and shop. The most referenced document for hospital space planning is typically the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities. Last published in 2001, the new edition will be published in March of 2006. The Guidelines are referenced by space planners, architects, engineers, and healthcare professionals throughout the United States and in other countries who are planning new or renovated healthcare construction. Authorities in 42 states, the Joint Commission (JCAHO), and several federal agencies use the Guidelines as a reference code or standard when reviewing construction designs and plans and completed healthcare facilities. Based on experience, there are some basic fundamental space information you can review and provide to the architectural team. The first is the functions that are required for the department. Typical functions for a modern clinical engineering department include: • Technician work space • Manager office • Administrative / clerical space • File storage • Equipment decontamination area • Library • Parts storage • Receiving / packing area Guidelines for Design: Mapping Out the Ideal Clinical Engineering Department