Mobile intensive care units in the fight against coronavirus

More than 142 000 infections, more than 3 000 deaths (as at 14.10.2020) - the coronavirus pandemic in Poland is taking an increasing toll. The number of patients requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19 is increasing. Unfortunately, public healthcare facilities are not adequately prepared to deal with the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. So what can be done to increase the safety of medical staff?

According to specialists, medical facilities need to be modernised at least once a decade. Meanwhile, the health service in our country is underfunded. There is a lack of funds for thorough renovations. As Marta Łukasik from the Kraków University of Technology convinces, in order to adapt wards to current needs, it is necessary to act ad hoc, e.g. by adding individual elements [1]. For this purpose, modular technology, which enables rapid adaptation of space, is ideal. Prefabricated elements are used to create, among other things, mobile modular hospitals, laboratories or intensive care units.
What is a mobile intensive care unit?

Climatic offers prefabricated buildings tailored to the medical market (for more on the benefits of these technologies, see the article: "What is a modular hospital? Find out more"). One such building is MOBIOIT, a mobile intensive care unit designed for the hospitalisation of patients suffering from infectious and dangerous diseases. The basic design of the unit consists of three modules adapted to care for eight patients simultaneously. The unit can be freely modified, e.g. by adding additional rooms, treatment rooms or doctor's surgeries.

The prefabrication system is appreciated for its lead time. The modules are manufactured in a closed factory and then transported by truck to the specified site. Work on site is limited to assembling the prefabricated elements and connecting the necessary installations. In practice, a fully equipped and functional medical facility is obtained within a few days. The construction work itself is not a nuisance to staff or patients, as it is not accompanied by prolonged noise. There are also no problems with pollution and airborne dust. Thus, the erection of a new structure does not interfere with the operation of an existing facility. This is of great importance, especially in a situation involving the increasing reproductive rate of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. Raising the standards of medical care contributes to the safety of both medics and their patients.
MOBIOIT - cutting-edge technology, practical solutions

The modular intensive care unit stands out for its refined design. Solutions have been included to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission. Among the main ones is a decontamination sluice that eliminates substances harmful to health, including SARS-CoV-2. It is used, among other things, to carry out disinfection of clothing and personal protective equipment, as well as for waste transfer. You can find out more about the topic in our post: "What is a decontamination sluice - find out the advantages".

Also noteworthy is the suitably equipped patient room, which houses complete intensive care units. These are designed to accommodate various types of medical equipment, including an ultrasound machine, defibrillator and ventilator. A two-arm column with equipment for monitoring and maintaining vital functions and medical gases has been placed next to each bed. Negative-pressure air conditioning has been installed in sensitive areas to reduce airborne pathogens.
Prefabricated buildings - functional and safe

Modular facilities are no different from those built using traditional methods. They have patient rooms and rooms for intensive care. The wards also contain nursing stations (equipped with computers and monitors to monitor patients' vital signs). There is also a laboratory for basic examinations, a staff room and a kitchen. The prefabricated facilities can furthermore be converted into other facilities for medical purposes, e.g. outpatient clinics, isolation rooms, laboratories. In this way, the MOBIOIT building will also be usable after the coronavirus pandemic has ended. Read more about the advantages of mobile buildings in the article: "Why opt for a modular hospital?".
Source:

Łukasik, "Modular construction - an opportunity for existing Polish healthcare buildings?", publication of the Faculty of Architecture, Krakow University of Technology.