Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Handbook 7610 (252)
Washington, DC 20420
June , 2006
planes, of the distribution of a single photon gamma emitting radionuclide distributed
in the body. The images of the varying dimensional relationships are computer
generated resulting in improved resolution of target organs/processes.
U. Tele-Nuclear Imaging: In Nuclear Medicine computerized clinical data is acquired
directly in digital format, obviating the need for conversion prior to electronic
transmission. Tele-Nuclear medicine space requirements are determined by the
functions of image acquisition or interpretation. Space requirements for image
acquisition are those specified by the imaging and support areas. If the site is an
interpretation site, additional space for computer equipment, such as servers and
office space for computer staff (non-physician professionals) is indicated.
V.
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 satellite outpatient clinic project are provided by the VA Central
Office (VACO) / VISN CARES Capacity Projection Model. Workload projections are
generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran population in the
respective market / service area. Health care planners working on projects for VA
medical centers, hospitals or satellite outpatient clinics, shall utilize workload criteria
set forth herein for identified services and modalities to determine room requirements
and generate a space program for each project
B.
Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of
the activities involved in the functional areas of the Nuclear Medicine Service and
their 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 healthcare for Veterans.
C. These criteria are based on established and anticipated standards, which are subject
to modification relative to development in the equipment, medical practice, vendor
requirements, and healthcare planning and design developments. The final selection
of medical equipment for the Nuclear Medicine Service is approved by VACO
Radiology Service based upon Veterans Health Administration (VHA) anticipated
medical needs.
D. Nuclear Medicine imaging space requirements are based on research by the
Program Office, Nuclear Medicine & Radiation Safety Service, Diagnostic Service
Strategic Healthcare Group, Patient Care Services and Health System Research &
Development, and The Center for Performance Management in the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office. These groups demonstrated that clinical
imaging productivity was most closely related to the number of imaging devices.
Nuclear Medicine Service (Chapter 252): Page 5 of 18