Peer-Reviewed Design Guidelines
Publication: Critical Care Medicine
Publication Reference: February 21, 2025
Authors: Hamilton, D. Kirk PhD, MSOD, BArch, FCCM, Emeritus FAIA & FACHA; Gary, Jodie C. PhD, RN; Scruth, Elizabeth PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, CCRN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, CPHQ; Anderson, Harry L. III MD, FACS, FICS, FCCM, FCCP, FAIM; Cadenhead, Charles D. BArch, FCCM, Emeritus FAIA & FACHA; Oczkowski, Simon J. MD, MSc, MHSc; Lau, Vincent I. MD, MSc, FRCPC; Adler, Jason MD, MBA, FCCM, FAAP, FCCP; Bassily-Marcus, Adel MD, FCCM; Bassin, Benjamin S. MD, FACEP, EDAC; Boyd, Joel MBA, BSRT, RCP; Busl, Katharina M. MD, MS; Crabb, James R. PE; Harvey, Clifford BA, BArch, MSc(HQ), OAA, FRAIC; Hecht, Jason P. PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM; Herweijer, Milee Dr.Ir.; Gunnerson, Kyle J. MD, FCCM; Ibrahim, Abdullahi S. RN, CCRN, BNSc; Jabaley, Craig S. MD, FCCM; Kaplan, Lewis J. MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM; Monchar, Sarah MS, PA-C, MBA, FCCM; Moody, Andrew MD; Read, Julie Lindeman DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC; Christian Renne, B. MD; Sarosi, Michael G. MD; Swoboda, Sandra M. DNP, RN, FCCM; Thompson-Brazill, Kelly A. DNP, ACNP-BC, FCCM; Wells, Chris L. PhD, PT, CCS, ATC, FCCM; Anderson, Diana C. MD, MArch, FACHA.
Advances in technology, infection control challenges—as with the COVID-19 pandemic—and evolution in patient- and family-centered care highlight ideal aspects of ICU design and opportunities for enhancement. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians, administrators, and healthcare architects to optimize design strategies in new or renovation projects.
The guidelines panel issued 17 recommendations based on 15 Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) questions relating to ICU architecture and design. The panel strongly recommends high-visibility ICU layouts, with windows and natural lighting in patient rooms to enhance sleep and recovery. The panel suggests integrated staff break/respite spaces, advanced infection prevention features, and flexible surge capacity. Because of insufficient evidence, the panel could not make a recommendation regarding in-room supplies, decentralized charting, and advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Read the full guideline document HERE and the executive summary version HERE.
