| Title |
A Reference Model and HVAC Design Criteria of Mobile Negative Pressure Isolation Room for Responding to Infectious Disease Outbreaks |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2022.38.1.195 |
| Keywords |
Infectious disease; Mobile negative pressure isolation room; Cross-infection prevention; Design criteria; HVAC considerations |
| Abstract |
Due to climate change coupled with the increase of zoonotic diseases, infectious diseases are more likely to occur and spread in the future;
therefore, new alternatives and methods related to treatment environments should be considered. Under the global landscape of the prolonged
COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients who need to be cared for through negative isolation rooms is increasing. Consequently, it is
essential to secure temporary medical facilities that can remain operational during a pandemic. These facilities must be safe and secured so
that public confidence is increased, and treatment expedited. This study proposes a reference model and HVAC design criteria for mobile
negative pressure isolation room modular systems to minimize cross-infection inside the health care space and ensure the safety of health care
workers (HCWs) as well as securing rapid medical service supplies. The mobile negative pressure isolation room module basically reflects the
one-way airflow direction from clean zone to dirty zone, and appropriate differential pressure control that separates the air environment
between the HCW’s and the patient. If properly installed, the location of the exhaust air vents need to be directly above the patient’s bed,
specifically on the wall near the head of the bed. The installation of the headboard on the patient’s bed as an exhaust air ventilation location
was considered for infection prevention and control when performing aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). |