Department Of Veterans Affairs
VA Space Planning Criteria (Chapter 287)
Washington, D.C. 20402
November 2006
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.
T. Sigmoidoscopy: A diagnostic procedure that allows the physician to examine the
lower one-third of the large intestine. Sigmoidoscopy is helpful in identifying the
causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and
bleeding. It may also be used to obtain biopsies and to perform procedures such
as removal of polyps or hemorrhoids. A short, flexible, lighted tube, called a
sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the intestine through the rectum into the lower part
of the large intestine. Air is injected into the intestine through the sigmoidoscope
to inflate it for better viewing.
U. Upper Endoscopy: See Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
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.
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. These workload
projections are generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran
population in the respective market / service area. Space planners working on new
or renovation projects for VA medical centers, hospitals or outpatient clinics, shall use
those projections in conjunction with the criteria parameters set forth herein to
generate a space program.
B. Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of the
activities involved in the functional areas of the Digestive Diseases Endoscopy
Suite 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 based on established and anticipated standards, which are subject
to modification relative to development in the standards of practice, equipment,
vendor requirements, and healthcare planning and design. The final selection of
medical equipment for the Endoscopy Suite is approved by VACO Gastroenterology
Service based upon Veterans Health Administration (VHA) anticipated medical
needs.
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