Every four years, Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) releases an update. With the rollout of the 2022 FGI Guidelines for Hospitals fast approaching, DesignGroup has broken down key changes and what they mean for facilities moving forward.
By: Emily Wagner, Associate AIA // Project Associate
While many items have shifted and updated, three progressive topics have surfaced in 2022. Common to these topics is the relationship between departments and how care is delivered, and the needs of clinical staff vs vendors and code requirements. This three-part series will highlight the key areas of changes for 2022 and their impact on design.
Imaging Department Updates
The imaging department is often the first step in patient care. So it’s critical for hospitals to provide an experience that’s focused on their comfort – and that of their medical providers. When the 2022 FGI guidelines are rolled out in the first quarter of the new year, changes to the imaging department seek to improve patient and staff needs alike. Changes will include clearance requirement modifications and reductions to the required patient care station counts.
At DesignGroup we know that these guidelines aren’t the only factors considered in the development of new imaging rooms. We understand how to balance the often-competing needs of patients and staff with the regulatory requirements and equipment vendors needed for a successful project. The changes coming to FGI 2022 are steps toward making that delicate balance easier to achieve.
Modified Clearances
The shift of clearances focuses on providing additional space on the patient transfer side – where space really counts. Previously, clearances were a seemingly arbitrary zone around the device. Moving forward, these clarified definitions provide black-and-white requirements to make the design and construction process more straightforward and significantly reduce issues in the field.
Patient Care Stations
In 2022, the guidelines recognize that not all hospital programs are the same – and thus will reduce the required counts of holding bays for Class 2 procedures. The result will give hospitals more flexibility and grant additional space back to other critical care areas in the facility.
Other Space Planning Considerations
• Early engagement with the hospital’s equipment vendor is critical for ensuring that all clearances are met beyond basic regulatory mandates. • Thorough conversation with departmental staff is critical in understanding additional mobile equipment rooms to provide increased efficiencies in staff flow and function of the room.
Emily joined DesignGroup after graduating from Pennsylvania State University with her Bachelor of Architecture. She has a passion for collaboration and enjoys learning new skills and knowledge for continuous improvement of design. In her time at Penn State, her final project was selected as the team collaboration winner for best design of a healthcare facility for its focus on patient experience. Emily studied architecture because of the vast opportunities to create a positive impact on people’s lives through excellent design.