Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 226)
Washington, DC 20420
February 2007
estimated model of operation for the facility. This information is processed through
mathematical and logical operations in VA-SEPS.
H. Neurophysiology: The part of physiology as a science which is concerned with the
study of low-level functioning of the nervous system.
I.
Program for Design (PFD): A space program based on criteria set forth in this
document and specific information about Concept of Operations, workload projections
and staffing levels authorized.
J. 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.
K. 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.
L. Workload: Workload is the anticipated number of procedures or suite stops that is
processed through a department/service area. The total workload applied to
departmental operational assumptions will determine overall room requirements by
modality.
3
OPERATING RATIONALE AND BASIS OF CRITERIA
A. Workload Projections or planned services / modalities for a specific VA medical
center, hospital, or outpatient clinic project are provided by the VA Central Office
(VACO) / VISN CARES Capacity Projection Model. The workload projections are
generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran population in the
respective market/service area. Healthcare planners working on VA medical center,
hospital, or outpatient clinic projects will utilize and apply the workload criteria set
forth herein for identified services and modalities to determine room requirements for
each facility.
B. Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of the
activities involved in the functional areas of the Electroencephalography Laboratory
and its relationship with other services of a medical facility. These criteria are
predicated on established and/or anticipated best practice standards as adapted to
provide environments supporting the highest quality heath care for Veterans.
C. These criteria are subject to modification relative to development in the equipment,
medical practice, vendor requirements, and subsequent planning and design. The
selection of the size and type of Electroencephalography Laboratory equipment is
Electroencephalography Laboratory (226): Page 3 of 10
Previous Page
