Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 210)
Washington, D.C. 20402
December 2006
R. Pacemaker Implants: An "artificial pacemaker" is a small, battery-operated
device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm. Some devices are
permanent (internal) and some are temporary (external).
S.
Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS): The digital capture,
transfer and storage of diagnostic images. A PACS system consists of
workstations for interpretation, image/data producing modalities, a web server
for distribution, printers for file records, image servers for information transfer
and holding, and an archive of off-line information. A computer network is
needed to support each of these devices.
T.
Procedure / Suite Stop: A procedure/suite stop is one encounter of a patient
with a healthcare provider. Per these criteria, the procedure/suite stop is the
workload unit of measure for space planning. One individual patient can have
multiple procedure/suite stops in a single visit or in one day.
U. Program for Design (PFD): A space program generated by VA-SEPS based on
criteria set forth in this document and specific information entered about
Concept of Operations, Workload projections and Staffing levels authorized.
V.
Provider: An individual, who examines, diagnoses, treats, prescribes medication
and manages the care of patients within his or her scope of practice as
established by the governing body of a healthcare organization. Providers are
pulmonologists, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, physicians, physician's
assistants and clinical nurse practitioners.
W. Room Efficiency Factor: A factor that provides flexibility in the utilization of a
room to account for patient delays, scheduling conflicts, and equipment
maintenance. Common factors are in the 80 to 85% range. A room with 80%
room efficiency provides a buffer to assume that this room would be available
20% of the time beyond the planned operational practices of the room. This
factor may be adjusted based on the actual and/or anticipated operations and
processes of the room / department.
X.
SEPS (VA-SEPS): Acronym for Space and Equipment Planning System, a
digital tool developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department
of Veterans Affairs to generate a Program for Design (PFD) and an Equipment
List for a VA healthcare project based on specific information entered in
response to Input Data Questions. VA-SEPS incorporates the propositions set
forth in all VA space planning criteria chapters. VA-SEPS has been designed to
aid healthcare planners in creating a space plan based on a standardized set of
criteria parameters.
Y.
Tilt Table Test: Involves placing the patient on a table with a foot-support. The
table is tilted upward and the blood pressure and pulse are measured and
symptoms are recorded with the patient in diverse positions.
Z.
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): A diagnostic echocardiogram test
which is done through the esophagus and which employs ultrasound waves to
make images of the heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. The
Cardiovascular Laboratories (Chapter 210): Page 210-4 of 16
Previous Page
