AUTHOR=Karam Oliver , Ahmed Aziez , Bizzarro Matthew , Bogue Clifford , Giuliano John S. , PICU Space Collaborative , Al-Subu Awni , Bateman Scot , Berning Eric , Brown Kyle , Bulut Yonca , Cheifetz Ira M. , Chegondi Madhuradhar , Cholette Jill , Cowl Allison , Ceneviva Gary , Gehlbach Jon , Hobson Michael , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Labarinas Sonia , Louis Cassandra L. , Miller Michael , Marinello Mark , Malone Matthew P , Nair Alison , Nishisaki Akira , Lowrie Lia , Rehder Kyle , Rozenfeld Ranna , Schneider James , Sequeira Jake , Shein Steven L. , Stalets Erika , Taylor John , Yager Phoebe TITLE=Physical space of thirty pediatric intensive care units in the United States of America: a national survey JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics VOLUME=12 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2024.1473805 DOI=10.3389/fped.2024.1473805 ISSN=2296-2360 ABSTRACT=Introduction

The design of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) rooms significantly impacts patient care and satisfaction. The aims were first, to describe the current physical space across PICUs in the USA, and second, to identify what proportion of PICUs are compliant with current guidelines.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, targeting division chiefs and medical directors of PICUs nationwide. The survey collected data on unit type, construction and renovation dates, room sizes, and available amenities. According to the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals, PICU rooms are recommended to be single rooms, at least 200 sq ft, have a window and a private bathroom. Data were anonymized and reported as median and interquartile ranges or frequencies and percentages.

Results

Thirty units responded. Among the respondents, 26 had general PICUs, 9 had cardiac ICUs, and 3 had intermediate care units, with some units containing multiple types of ICUs. The median annual admissions were 1,125, with a median occupancy rate of 78%. Twenty-three percent of units had at least one double room, and 3% had triple or quadruple rooms. The median room size was 265 sq ft (IQR 230; 304), the smallest room size was 220 sq ft (IQR 179; 275), and the largest single room size was 312 sq ft (IQR 273; 330). Thirty-seven percent of units had bathrooms in every room, while 80% had windows in every room. Additionally, 46% of units had dialysis capabilities in every room, and 7% had negative pressure capabilities in every room. The median building year was 2008 (IQR 2001;2014), with 36% of units having undergone at least one renovation. Larger rooms were associated with more recent build dates (p = 0.01). Only 30% of the PICUs met the guidelines for physical space. These compliant units were built at a median of 4 years ago (IQR 1; 8).

Conclusion

This study highlights the variability in PICU room design and amenities across healthcare facilities. Many units still fall short of meeting the guidelines for room size, windows, and private bathrooms. Future research should investigate the relationship between room characteristics and patient outcomes to inform better design practices, with a goal of improving patient experiences and clinical outcomes.