ICU structural audit checklist

Facility Infrastructure

Adequate space for patient care activities

Proper lighting and ventilation

Functional HVAC systems

Fire safety measures in place

Emergency exits clearly marked

Hand hygiene stations readily available

Adequate storage space for supplies and equipment

Proper waste management system in place

Accessible and well-maintained plumbing systems

Functional call bell system for patient communication

Adequate electrical outlets and power sources for medical equipment

Secure and controlled access to the unit for safety and privacy

Comfortable and ergonomic furniture for staff and visitors

Proper signage for wayfinding and patient information

Regular maintenance and cleaning schedules for facility upkeep

Patient Rooms

Sufficient number of beds for patient volume

Privacy curtains in place

Monitoring equipment functioning properly

Cleanliness and organization of room

Call bell system in working order

Adequate lighting in patient rooms

Functional bedside tables for patient use

Properly functioning temperature control in patient rooms

Availability of necessary supplies (linens, towels, etc.) in patient rooms

Accessibility to bathroom facilities for patients

Proper ventilation in patient rooms

Compliance with safety regulations for patient room design (e.g. no tripping hazards)

Medical Equipment

Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment

Availability of necessary equipment for patient care

Proper storage and organization of equipment

Emergency equipment easily accessible

Staff trained on proper use of equipment

Regular inventory checks to ensure all necessary equipment is present

Implementation of a system for tracking equipment usage and maintenance

Routine checks for expired equipment or supplies

Ensuring all equipment is properly cleaned and disinfected according to protocols

Regular staff training on emergency response procedures involving equipment

Medication Management

Medication storage in compliance with regulations

Proper labeling of medications

Controlled substance protocols followed

Medication administration records kept up to date

Medication errors reported and addressed promptly

Regular medication reconciliation conducted for each patient

Medication expiration dates checked and expired medications disposed of properly

Protocols in place for medication administration by different routes (e.g. IV, oral, injection)

Education and training provided to staff on safe medication practices

Policies in place for handling high-risk medications (e.g. chemotherapy drugs, narcotics)

Regular audits conducted to ensure compliance with medication management protocols

Infection Control

Compliance with hand hygiene protocols

Proper disposal of biohazardous waste

Use of personal protective equipment

Regular cleaning and disinfection of patient areas

Isolation precautions implemented as needed

Regular monitoring of infection rates and trends

Implementation of protocols for preventing healthcare-associated infections

Proper ventilation and air control systems in place

Regular testing and maintenance of water systems to prevent Legionella growth

Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent antibiotic resistance

Training of staff on proper infection control practices

Regular audits and inspections of infection control practices

Collaboration with infection control specialists or epidemiologists for guidance on best practices

Staffing and Training

Adequate number of staff for patient care needs

Staff training on emergency procedures

Regular staff education on infection control practices

Competency assessments for all staff members

Communication protocols in place for interdisciplinary team

Quality Improvement and Documentation

Regular audits of patient care activities

Documentation of patient assessments and interventions

Incident reporting and follow-up procedures

Compliance with regulatory requirements

Participation in quality improvement initiatives

Regular review of patient outcomes and trends

Implementation of evidence-based practices to improve patient care

Collaboration with multidisciplinary team members to address quality improvement opportunities

Utilization of data analytics to identify areas for improvement

Documentation of staff training and competency assessments

Participation in peer review and feedback processes

Integration of patient feedback into quality improvement initiatives