520
Detailed Needs and Requirements: Cardio-Pulmonary Unit
2. Organization
There are strong clinical reasons for combining facilities for the study
of these two organs. A primary disease in either the heart or the lungs
will generally lead to a secondary involvement of the other. A thorough
diagnosis, therefore involves studies of both the heart and lungs.
Staffing advantages can also be realized through combined facilities.
The technical training required for diagnostic procedures of the heart
and lungs is similar in many respects. Combined facilities allow for
utilization of trained personnel in both areas of study.
In part, the same equipment is used for studies of the heart and lungs.
A combined cardio-pulmonary unit, therefore, eliminates the need for
duplication of such equipment.
Physiological monitoring may be required during many of the tests.
5211.1.4
Primary Users
1. Patients
As previously stated, both inpatients and outpatients may be examined
in the cardiopulmonary unit. Routine heart and lung studies are not
particularly hazardous and may be done on an outpatient basis.
Studies such as cardiac catheterization and pulmonary angiography,
however, require hospitalization due to the fairly high risk of
complications during and after these procedures.
Most patients currently examined in V.A. cardio-pulmonary units are
inpatients admitted in an acute or semi-acute condition and who are
undergoing diagnostic studies to ascertain the extent of disability.
Such patients will undoubtedly make up a significant portion of the
patient load in cardio- pulmonary units in the future; however, the
proportion of outpatients examined should increase with growing
emphasis on early diagnosis and preventive care.
Patients coming to the cardio-pulmonary unit may be weak and may
tire easily. Provision should therefore be made for patients to be
seated while awaiting testing or between multiple tests.
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