整合性心臟照護中心之規劃設計

Cardiovascular disease has become the third leading cause of death since 1998 in Taiwan. In the U.S. and Germany, the cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer since 1999. As the results of population ages and westernization of food consumption in Taiwan, it can be expected that the death rate caused by cardiovascular disease will also increase in the future. Therefore, treatment and care about the cardiovascular disease become more and more important. This has increased demand for sophisticated cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment services. Cares of cardiovascular patients rely on cooperation among cardiovascular surgeons, cardiologists and radiologists. However, in current system, cardiologists usually report to the department of medicine; cardiovascular surgeons report to the department of surgery; radiologists report to the department of radiology. Generally, overall responsibility is not determined for cardiac care. To provide convenient and effective services for cardiac patients, it is important to integrate different functional services both in organizational structure and spaces. This study was to discuss the design of an integrated cardiac care center. An integrated cardiac care center should include the following functional areas: outpatient clinics, non-invasive cardiology (including EKG, ECHO, reception and waiting area, patient lockers/changing areas), invasive cardiology (including cardiac catheterization lab, cardiovascular operating room, reception/registration and waiting areas, patient preparation and recovery room, staff lockers and changing areas), cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), cardiac rehabilitation, administrative areas, and logistical areas. When designing an integrated cardiac care center, it is important to follow the concepts of patient-centered care. The design and utilization of spaces should be able to create a healing environment for patient recovery.