Disappearing Disposal:integrated waste solution

ICU of the FutureFall 2010

Leang ChhunChauncey SaurusAmyruth Stevens

Problem

Visits:

Northside Hospital Intensive Care Unit

St. Joseph’s ICU

Piedmont Hospital ICU

Scottish Rite NICU and PICU,

Trash cans lacked an appropriate location in the patient room

Trash cans are placed in the room at the convenience of the staff

frequently create barriers to other features in the room.

18 x 8 inches up to 24 x 24 inches in size

Trash receptacle was located in front to an in-room sink.

Trash can underneath a draped curtain

Trash bin used as a reading/writing surface

Solution

Our group’s solution for trash and sharps receptacles in ICU rooms is an in-wall waste unit that is accessible from the outside as well as the inside of the ICU. The redesigned trash receptacle will be designed to be housed in a nurse server.

Easily accessed, serviced, and sterilized by custodial staff

Eliminates the need for custodial staff to enter the patient room as frequently

Reduced the number of distractions to patients, family, and clinicians

Contributes to maintenance and operational efficiency in ICUs

Disappearing Disposal system is desirable for ICU units to help organize patient rooms while integrating a space saving solution