• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.45-56
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The MERS(Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreaks in Korea highlighted dramatically the failings of traditional hospital environment for controlling or preventing infections among both patients and healthcare workers. MERS is transmitted by droplets that can be airborne over a limited area. The point should be emphasized that MERS in South Korea was predominantly a hospital-acquired (not a community-acquired) infection, because approximately 93% of MERS cases were resulted from exposure in hospital settings. This paper tries to suggest the design guidelines of negative pressured isolation ward for the sake of proper control of severe respiratory infectious diseases. Methods: Literature survey on the design guideline and regulations of airborne infection wards in Korea, Europe U.K. and CDC of U.S. have been carries out. 4 special infection wards in Hongkong, Germany, Japan and Korea have been surveyed in order to make the best use of the experiences related to facility design and operations. Results: Operating system influencing the facility design, space organizations of infectious ward including required space and zoning, and circulations of patients, staffs and materials are proposed. Implications: The results of this paper can be the basic data for the design of the airborne infection ward and relevant regulations. Afterwards in-depth study such as the development of space standards for the single bedroom, locker room and so on could be explored.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.7-16
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to establish the basic directions of the modular airborne infection isolation(AII) ward. Considering a specific function and purposed use as a modular AII ward, it is a chance to derive an address of current modular technology by overview the limitation and improvement of the existing modular architecture. Methods: In addition to the literature analysis on the configuration system of mobile hospitals, research cases on the operational effectiveness of the domestic and foreign mobile construction systems are analyzed. Results: In order to meet the various and strict space guidelines of the AII ward and a chance to improve limitations of uniformed existing modulars, AII modular the negative pressurized care setting should be minimized a structural restriction for reflecting its system on a architectural plan. For this unique requirements, it could be possible to apply various space boxes called infill box which needs to secure a large-scale space. So, a rahmen structure system could be adaptable for this purpose. A dead space between beams of the rahmen structure is to be used for MEP installation. Partial separation, dismantling, and repair should be possible by separating the MEP and infill box from the structure. The infill box must keep 3.5m width under the current Road Traffic Act. Implications: It is necessary to utilize and develop an improved construction method that can reduce the problems of existing steel modular and PC modular.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.63-72
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review the material handling system of the Airborne Infection Isolation Hospitals which is the one of the key elements of infection control and to improve the basic data for the planning and design of those facilities. Methods: Research was conducted by literature reviews and case studies for the material handling system of domestic and foreign Isolation hospitals. Results: The result of this study can be summarized into three points. First, a general isolation unit and a high level isolated unit need to be distinguished in terms of efficiency and safety. In particular, it is desirable that a high level isolated unit have to completely separate clean and soiled circulations, and soiled corridor should be installed by those means. By doing this, the medical staff can observe patient rooms and supply clean materials directly in the clean zone without wearing PPE, so that safety and work efficiency can be improved at the same time. Second, for the safe disposal of wastes, it is desirable to install a dedicated sterilizer per ward and sterilize it at least in the ward. In addition, It is desirable to install a central waste treatment room and a dedicated soiled corridor in consideration of the inadequate handling capacity and emergency situation. Third, the characteristics of material flow chart in the negative pressured isolation hospitals and the corresponding material handling system have been presented. Implications: Infection control is very important in safety, but it is necessary to respond to the symptoms of the patient.