VR technology informed Finnish ICU design

The process of designing the new intensive care unit (ICU) at the Seinäjoki Central Hospital commenced with a preoccupancy evaluation and research study to identify best practice and design models. It was clear from the outset that it made sense to move to single patient bedrooms, to harness evidence-based design, and to exploit all the suitable potential technological innovations. Although single patient rooms provide a number of advantages, there were many issues to be addressed, particularly around visibility, audibility, and assistance.

The EVICURES project

The aim of EVICURES project (2014-2016) was to develop a new ‘user-friendly’ design model of intensive and intermediate care unit (ICU) to improve the quality of care and the care environment, and to impact positively on the wellbeing of both patients and staff. The model was firmly based around the participation of the staff in designing the new ICU, drawing both on the data collated from the research, and the expertise and experience of those involved. To support the work, a multidisciplinary project group was put together comprising hospital managers, staff, patients, and their families, as well as representatives from other hospital districts, research institutes, and commercial companies. The evidencebased design (EBD) approach was familiar to the staff, having already been used on other building projects at the Seinäjoki Central Hospital. As a result, the project – entailing the design of Finland’s first allsingle-room ICU –saw evidence-based design extensively harnessed.