Analysis of an intensive care unit

The presented work is about the impact of an ergonomic study for an architects project to design a new multi-disciplinary ICU (24 beds) to replace the old one. The dimension of the hospital is about 600 beds. Method is a work system analysis including task and link analysis using the FIT-System, user interviews using object-based interview technique, and simulation of work situation using a model (scale 1:25) of the new facility. Task analysis shows that the five most frequent tasks are: 1. Documentation, 2. Application of drugs/infusions, 3. Communication, 4. Manipulation of devices, 5. Observation of devices. The hemodynamic monitor is the most frequently manipulated device and most frequently observed. The communication is one of the biggest time consumer; it costs a quarter of the work shift time. Link analysis shows that the most frequent walking passage is the link between documentation desk and the monitoring and medication pump at the bedside. User interviews showed that the lack of room and space is the biggest problem. Users mentioned the problem, of self-evaluation of their work load. The architect's plan showed his lack of detailed knowledge about the work procedures and related errors in room layout. Proposed corrections due to the ergonomic intervention were accepted by the decision makers and changes were implemented in the planning and realisation.