From the Guidelines
For ICU restructuring, maintain a temperature between 21-24°C (70-75°F) to ensure patient comfort while preventing bacterial growth, never block access doors, and install hand hygiene stations at each room entrance, near the unit entrance, and in central work areas, equipped with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and sinks with soap dispensers and paper towels, as recommended by 1.
Temperature Control
The temperature in the ICU should be controlled to prevent bacterial growth and ensure patient comfort. Excessive heat can promote bacterial growth, while cold environments can stress vulnerable patients.
Access Doors
Access doors should never be blocked as they are critical for emergency evacuation and rapid staff movement. Unobstructed access doors are essential for rapid response during emergencies and efficient patient transport.
Hand Hygiene Stations
Hand hygiene stations should be installed at each room entrance, near the unit entrance, and in central work areas. These stations should be equipped with:
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Sinks with soap dispensers and paper towels
- Elbow-operated or automatic faucets to minimize contamination Strategically placed hand hygiene stations improve compliance with infection control protocols, which directly impacts patient outcomes by reducing healthcare-associated infections. Consider also installing visual reminders about proper hand hygiene techniques near each station to reinforce best practices, as suggested by 1 and 1. Some key considerations for hand hygiene stations include:
- Hand-washing facilities or stations should be accessible, sufficient for the maximum anticipated attendance, and accessible by children, adults, and persons with disabilities, as stated in 1.
- Liquid soap dispensed by a hand or foot pump is recommended, and hot water is preferable, but if the hand-washing facilities or stations are supplied with only cold water, a soap that emulsifies easily in cold water should be provided, as recommended by 1.
From the Research
Temperature Inside the Unit
- The ideal temperature inside an intensive care unit (ICU) is around 21°C, with some surgeons preferring a range of 21-22°C 2.
- For infants and children, the temperature may be increased up to 24°C 2.
- It is essential to have full air-conditioning in the ICU to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid direct chilling of the patient 2.
Blocking the Access Door
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding blocking the access door in an ICU.
- However, it is implied that controlling access and maintaining a clean environment are crucial in preventing hospital-acquired infections 3, 4, 5, 6.
Disposition of a Hand Washing Area
- Hand hygiene is critical in preventing hospital-acquired infections, and having easily accessible hand washing areas is essential 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The placement of hand sanitizer or hand washing stations should be strategic to encourage frequent hand hygiene among healthcare workers and patients 3, 5.
- Increased accessibility and use of hand sanitizer have been shown to decrease infection rates and improve hand hygiene compliance 3.