Area planning in the clinical sector follows a special methodological process (MEDPLAN), particularly in facilities designed for examination and treatment. Therefore it is essential to know the performance profiles that are to be realized in out-patient departments, casualty wards, specialized areas or on the regular wards.
The basis for defining spatial requirements is established by forecasting the capacity data of individual medical activities (each one requiring a certain amount of space) which – assuming a constant frequency – is projected to future case numbers. Taking a fixed amount of time for occupying a room for a certain medical activity as a basis, the required number of capacity-dedicated rooms can be calculated. The calculation of space and area as a basis for the theoretical room and function programme is done according to capacity data and predefined organizational and functional standards.
Developing from the room and function programme is the organization plan which in turn is the basis for the process-oriented
Standard Operating Procedures (StOP®). This way, the function analysis leads to a capacity plan and finally to a required area figure that has been analytically defined.
Future resources may only initiate investments essential for the planned work processes. The demand for space and investment helps to avoid unnecessary operating costs in the years to come.
The function analysis drawn up here has been used in the form of a general plan, organizational and work plan as well as facility and function plan in many clinics and in nearly half of all university hospital facilities in the last 33 years in Germany.
