520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Hemodialysis Unit
529
HEMODIALYSIS UNIT
529.1
USER NEEDS
The hemodialysis unit is a treatment unit under the administrative
responsibility of the hospital medical service.
529.1.1
Objectives
This unit provides space and facilities for the treatment of both inpatients
and outpatients who have renal insufficiency.
The basic treatment on the unit involves bypassing the patient's kidney by
channeling the patient's blood supply through special dialysis equipment
which removes the toxins normally removed by the kidneys. These toxins
are diffused through special membranes in the dialyzer and absorbed by a
dialysate solution, which is then discarded. The processed blood is then
returned to the patient's system.
529.1.2
Operational Relationships
Potential joint use of the unit by inpatients and outpatients indicates a
need to locate the unit so outpatients and their relatives will not disrupt
other inpatient unit activities.
Many patients with renal failure will be severely ill. In units treating this
type of patient, adjacency with other intensive care units is desirable.
Sharing of equipment, specialty medical consultation and emergency
assistance can be encouraged by this proximity.
The interaction between the hemodialysis unit and clinical studies and
gastroenterology units has been discussed.
529.1.3
Characteristics
1. Environment
The unit environment should incorporate the characteristics of an
intensive care unit with those of an ambulant patient social area.
Certain patients in the unit will be critically ill while, in units with a home
training program, other patients will be talking, watching television or
engaging in other recreational activities during treatment. Two
separate environmental areas or two separate units may be desirable
where both patient types are treated. See 528.1.4.1, Patients.
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