ICU Problem and Potential Solutions

1. ICU Problem and Potential Solutions Group 4 Amyruth Stevens Chauncey Myshkin Leang Chhun

2. Problem • Trashcans create obstacles in rooms • Unaccounted in the room layout • They are placed in the room at the convenience of the staff • Frequently create a barrier to other features in the room

3. Solutions • Integrating nurse trash receptacles and sharps receptacles for needles • Easily accessed, cleanable, and serviceable • Integrated into the design of the room and better serve nurses

4. Solution 1 • In-wall waste unit that is accessible from the outside as well as the inside of the ICU • The unit will be easily accessed and sterilized by custodial staff • Eliminates the need for custodians to enter the patient room as frequently • Less distraction and disruption to patients, family, and clinicians.

5. Solution 2 • A rolling cart that will be able to enter ICU rooms, bring in supplies, and take everything back out of the ICU to be re-sterilized at central waste unit. • The carts will be fitted into a “home” in the room which will accommodate the exact size and shape of the mobile cart • Additional features of the cart such as a small writing area or fold out seat will also be considered features of our prototype.

6. Alternate Solutions/Concepts Trash chutes direct patient room trash into a centralized waste management, possibly vacuum tubes. A waste receptical that functions and appears as a rolling chair or stool Corridor-like room for trash removal from rooms without interruption, like a restricted hallway between rooms for trash and laundry Integration of nurses station with trash station Reminder/Checklists integrated into disposal station Move out old storage areas to accommodate Can/should we use a compactor