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Intensive Care Medicine
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine 10/2011

01-10-2011 | Special Article

Recommendations on basic requirements for intensive care units: structural and organizational aspects

Authors: Andreas Valentin, Patrick Ferdinande, ESICM Working Group on Quality Improvement

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 10/2011

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Abstract

Objective

To provide guidance and recommendations for the planning or renovation of intensive care units (ICUs) with respect to the specific characteristics relevant to organizational and structural aspects of intensive care medicine.

Methodology

The Working Group on Quality Improvement (WGQI) of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) identified the basic requirements for ICUs by a comprehensive literature search and an iterative process with several rounds of consensus finding with the participation of 47 intensive care physicians from 23 countries. The starting point of this process was an ESICM recommendation published in 1997 with the need for an updated version.

Results

The document consists of operational guidelines and design recommendations for ICUs. In the first part it covers the definition and objectives of an ICU, functional criteria, activity criteria, and the management of equipment. The second part deals with recommendations with respect to the planning process, floorplan and connections, accommodation, fire safety, central services, and the necessary communication systems.

Conclusion

This document provides a detailed framework for the planning or renovation of ICUs based on a multinational consensus within the ESICM.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Recommendations on basic requirements for intensive care units: structural and organizational aspects
Authors
Andreas Valentin
Patrick Ferdinande
ESICM Working Group on Quality Improvement
Publication date
01-10-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 10/2011
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-011-2300-7

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