2022, Vol.28, No.2

JOURNAL OF THE KOREA INSTITUTE OF HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.46

pISSN : 2733-8649 / eISSN : 2733-8657
https://journal.kci.go.kr/ikiha

Purpose: This study aimed to present an analysis model evaluating evacuation performance considering patient types and procedural evacuation in the medical facility. The user group of the medical facility, including users challenged in evacuation behavior, entails the risk of many casualties. Therefore, it is necessary to plan an evacuation procedure that considers the evacuation characteristics of users. Methods: Through the review of precedent studies, the evacuation procedure of the medical facility, the classification of patient types, and the evacuation procedure was set as conditions and variables for the analysis. The result caused by a variety of conditions and variables were explored. Results: 1) The total evacuation completion time and congestion time were shortened at the procedural evacuation. Moreover, it derived many users from evacuating at the initial phase. 2) The proposed model can provide a basis for proposing a space planning direction that considers the possibility of not carrying out the evacuation plan. 3) It supports safe evacuation by identifying variables that reduce overcrowding by comparing the congestion time of overcrowded spaces. 4) The analysis model can identify the overcrowded space through the evacuation route and suggest the basis for architectural improvements that reduce overcrowding. Implications: The study results can be used to analyze the performance of evacuation procedures and support the establishment of evacuation procedures and building plans for safe evacuation for medical facilities.

Purpose: In terms of efficiency and safety, this study attempted to organize data on the operation methods and architectural planning of infectious diseases hospitals. Methods: The results obtained through on-site and interview surveys with hospital officials and medical staffs at four infectious diseases hospitals under construction were summarized based on those original business plans and facility guidelines. Results: First, the operational methods to secure safety and operational efficiency were summarized for each department which are major hospital functions of infectious disease hospitals. Second, as the architectural planning, the characteristics of space and circulation of each department are summarized. For safety of medical staff, negative pressure and non-negative pressure zone have to completely separated. In addition medical staff wears PPE and enters the negative pressure zone and returns in the order of admiral, shower, and gowning in the PPE undressing room after patient treatment. In case of operational efficiency, flexible operation is required in normal and crisis situations. For example, it is important for The Ward to gradually switch to negative pressure beds in times of crisis from normal situation and the outpatient department considers the composition of negative pressure and non-negative pressure outpatient spaces that can operate in parallel even in crisis situations. Implications: Infectious disease hospitals require flexible operation and appropriate facilities for normal and crisis situations.

Purpose: This study presents the results of the analysis on space utilization of kidney dialysis units in regional public hospitals, which plays a key role in local public medical services. The result aims to achieve safety from infection, allow comfort for the dialysis environment, and stability for medical support. The purpose of this study is to present fundamental data for architectural plans for the kidney dialysis unit, as well as to alleviate potential infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Methods: For research purposes, the investigation and analysis of space utilization were based on architectural floor plans, research papers and literature, related legal systems, and public statistics. Of the main 35 regional public hospitals, in regards to data accessibility, 15 facilities were selected to conduct the survey and analysis for the objective. Results: The space composition by area research results of kidney dialysis units in public hospitals are as follows: Firstly, most targets do not have required rooms in the access and support area, except for the hemodialysis beds in the treatment section. Secondly, the access area requires necessary room and space design that took into consideration of convenience and accessibility for patients. Thirdly, in regards to infection prevention and control, proper circulation and room plan is essential for storage and disposal of contaminated products and linen after use. For the treatment area, the arrangement plan needs to establish a visual connection between the isolation room, the nursing station, and the bed area. Additionally, consideration of circulation in the preparation, treatment, observation, examination, and all other rooms in the facility is required. Lastly, for the support area, the room is designed to consider adequate working and meeting spaces for the medical staff, consultation space for patients or guardians, separate storage and disposal of clean and contaminated items, and the storage of various equipment for dialysis. Implications: In preparation for the increase in chronic kidney failure patients and the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, the researched data demonstrates the basic guidelines for space composition of kidney dialysis units and the significant role of regional public hospitals.