Owners have a vocabulary, and the 2022 edition for the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) has a vocabulary. However, the two are not always interchangeable. In the intricate world of healthcare space planning, terminology matters and understanding the nuances of this vocabulary is crucial for delivering a successful project.
Specifically, when it comes to the different types of rooms found in healthcare facilities , owners’ terminology and FGI standards do not always correspond. For instance, what an owner calls a “procedure room” may have different regulatory, square footage and budgetary implications compared to what FGI designates as the same. Each specific room has different purposes, space, staff flows and equipment that can affect a project.
The role of the architect, designer, and healthcare space planner is to translate the two vocabularies to ensure compliance, functionality, and efficiency. It is important to understand the intricacies of each room and what the client is looking for.
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Types of Healthcare Rooms
Healthcare facilities rely on a variety of specialized rooms to deliver care to their patients, each with their own complex needs. There are four types of healthcare rooms designers need to focus on: Exam Rooms, Specialty Exam Rooms, Procedure Rooms, and Operating Rooms. Despite the importance of each of these rooms, the function and design distinctions between them can sometimes be unclear. Understanding these distinct room types is crucial for navigating healthcare facility design terminology.
Exam Rooms
Exam rooms are defined as a room with a bed, gurney, or examination table and capability of periodic monitoring (e.g., measurement of blood pressure) in which procedures that do not require a specialized suite, like a pelvic examination, can be performed. This room offers a basic set up with standardized equipment suitable for routine checkups and exams.
Specialty Exam Rooms
Specialty exam rooms, defined in the FGI Outpatient Guidelines as an exam room designed for medical examinations or procedures that require equipment beyond the functions of a typical exam room. X-ray, ultrasound, audiology, ophthalmology, and OB-GYN rooms are just a few examples of specialty exam rooms. They offer a tailored environment with specialized equipment and design considerations.
Procedure Rooms
A procedure room, by FGI definition is, a designated for the performance of patient care that requires high level disinfection or sterile instruments and some environmental controls but does not have to be performed with the environmental controls of an operating room. Procedure rooms are designated for minimally invasive procedures, such as biopsies, colonoscopies, endoscopies, or some splinting procedures, which do not require the full operation of an operating room.
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Operating Rooms
The FGI defines operating rooms as meeting the requirements of a restricted area, is designated, and equipped for performing surgical or other invasive procedures and has the environmental controls for an OR as indicated in ASHRAE 170. An aseptic field is required for all procedures performed in an OR. Operating rooms require the highest level of complexity, sterility and staffing for more intense surgeries that involve incisions, general anesthesia, and a sterile environment.
Impact of Room Terminology
Since exam, specialty exam, procedure, and operating rooms each have their own set of standards and requirements, distinguishing between each is essential. Understanding the terminology plays a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance, improving facility design, and managing projects.
- Regulations: The FGI has set standardized room classifications that tie directly to building codes and standards. These classifications give specifics on minimum square footage, ventilation rates and more. Inaccurate terminology can lead to compliance and safety issues for staff and patients.
- Layout: Determining which specific rooms are needed in a healthcare setting can also dictate functionality and physical layout of a space. This can affect overall use and potentially increase construction costs.
- Budget: Using generic or inaccurate terms without thinking about the specific functions can lead to underestimating the costs associated with each room. OR rooms, for example, require more equipment, plumbing, and electrical work than an exam room. Misnaming a room can translate to unforeseen expenses that can massively affect a client’s budget.
In summary, effective healthcare space planning entails more than just adhering to regulatory standards; it involves understanding and reconciling the diverse vocabularies of owners and FGI. Architects, designers, and healthcare space planners function as crucial intermediaries, bridging the gap between owner needs and FGI standards. By doing so, we create environments that prioritize safety, functionality, and best patient care.
