EP1672144A1 - Building provided with interchangeable modules for medical care - Google Patents

Abstract

An interchangeable modular medical care unit (1) has a single module to form a container and a principal care room (10) inside the container. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (100) is fixed inside the room. The walls of the imaging apparatus (100) has an access opening for the patients. The container has a control room for the imaging apparatus (100) placed in the care room. A technical zone is positioned under the location for the modular care unit. The location for the modular care units are set as a circular arc, such that monitoring and visualization structures are arranged close to the center of the arc.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to interchangeable medical care modules integrable in a building and a building for the integration of such structures.

State of the art

There are known mobile health units, such as "field" units that are mounted on vehicles and brought on the spot during maneuvers, natural disasters, etc. These autonomous units are, as for example in US 4,425,978, entirely built in truck trailer within which are provided customized medical devices (powered by a generator set also in the trailer) and controlled by devices and / or control desks also implanted inside. For example, blood transfusion trucks or medical imaging centers whose walls incorporate a Faraday cage, the outer faces delimiting the contours of the trailer. EP 252 811 describes an independent health unit mounted on telescopic legs and transportable by truck. EP 940 292 discloses a true field hospital consisting of a plurality of interconnected care units.

Such units may also be used semi-permanently by some health facilities with poor infrastructure. This is for example the case of clinics without a medical imaging center, which can not perform magnetic resonance imaging on their patients and would be forced to direct these patients to other health centers better equipped.

In this case, access corridors are arranged between the existing buildings and the mobile units. This solution is however far from satisfactory, because it gives the building a temporary aspect, even neglected, which does not reassure the patients. In addition, it poses problems of heating, insulation, weather resistance, and also asepsis. The space available in such mobile units is limited, because of the thickness of the walls, which must provide in particular sufficient thermal insulation to allow operation in difficult climatic conditions. The place where the truck comes to park near the clinic or hospital is not necessarily provided for this purpose, therefore, access to these units for patients can be difficult, especially for non-patients. such as those in wheelchairs or stretcher.Then, patients already hospitalized and more sensitive to environmental conditions must eventually cross an area in the open air, which can affect their health.

Finally, the daily cost of installing and immobilizing such mobile autonomous units can be very high.

Another problem is related to the tremendous development of medical techniques, especially in the field of imaging. The investment in certain medical devices is so important that some clinics or hospitals, with limited financial means, can not afford to multiply such expenses. Consequently, when they opt for an apparatus, they are obliged to keep it, despite the fact that the evolution of the technique makes it quickly obsolete.

The price of the equipment itself is however only one of the factors that comes into play: in case of replacement, the hospital is faced with problems related to the work generated: noise, dust, unavailability of equipment. adjoining premises for weeks or even months.
The object of the invention is to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Brief summary of the invention

The object of the invention is a medical care building, which comprises - at least one location adapted to receive removably, a medical care module - a technical area for bringing from outside, each module up to 'at its location and / or extract each module from its location - means of setting up each module from the technical area to its location and vice versa - at least one module (or unit) of medical care interchangeable forming container equipped with a self-supporting structure and handling means, inside which is located at least one room equipped with apparatus. This module comprises external walls having at least one access opening. It comprises fastening means for fixing it removably inside the building. According to a preferred embodiment, after it is put in position, this at least one access opening is arranged opposite an access arranged in the building.

This medical care building preferably comprises a plurality of modular care unit sites and these locations are arranged in an arc of circle, the first access opening of the care units being disposed on the same side of this arc of circle, a structure control and / or display being disposed near the center of this arc.

The technical area is preferably located under the modular care unit locations.

The means of setting up each unit from the technical zone to its location and vice versa may include a lifting system integrated into the building or a vehicle bringing the units to near their location.

The locations may be arranged in an arc of a circle on several floors.

Advantageously, a first access zone is arranged on the side of the first access opening of the modules and a second access zone is arranged on the side of the second access opening of the modules. There are thus three distinct zones: a first zone in which non-dependent patients intended to receive care in one unit can move and / or wait, a second zone contiguous to the first one in which the units are implanted, and a third zone contiguous to the second and separated from the first zone in which dependent patients can circulate and / or wait.

Another object of the invention is an interchangeable medical care module, forming a container, equipped with handling means, inside which is located at least one room equipped with apparatus. This unit comprises external walls having at least one access opening. It comprises fixing means for removably fixing inside a suitable building as described above. Preferably, after being placed in position, this at least one access opening is arranged opposite an access provided in the building.

The unit comprises, according to an advantageous embodiment, means of input and output connections of the equipment to cables and conduits integral with the building.

The interior volume of the unit comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, internal walls for subdividing it into rooms with different uses.

Thus, inside the container, there can be at least one room attached to a treatment room, such as a control room of one or more medical devices able to come to settle inside of the treatment room, or a room forming technical room.

The module comprises according to an advantageous embodiment, a second access opening, disposed substantially opposite the first access opening. This second opening may be intended for the exclusive access of certain users, for example to the room forming technical room. It also helps to better regulate the transit of patients, so that they do not cross.

The module comprises, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one detachable connection system making it possible to connect it to a transport means, such as a truck, which can thus be easily moved. These means of removable connections can also connect the autonomous care unit to a rail car, to hang it on a freight train, a floating building (any one able to receive this or these module ( (s) and to transport them by river or sea, and / or by any other means of land, sea and air transport. In addition, these connection means may, if necessary, be the same as those used to secure the module to the building.

The floor of the module comprises, according to an advantageous embodiment, at least one door, designed to let any type of equipment, furniture or medical devices to implant in its interior.

The module preferably comprises an integrated decontamination system. The latter can be automatic or semi automatic, by pressurization, depressurization and / or any other treatment system.

The entire internal structure of the module is advantageously designed so as to offer only roundings and fillets in all the connections of partitions and walls, so as to allow optimum cleaning of places. Similarly, the furniture can be retractable and / or suspended from the structure, by any means granting the possibility of replacement at will of the furniture, to facilitate its cleaning.

The module may include a medical waste disposal circuit and soiled equipment to an outside area, thus allowing the secure disposal of each waste associated with the care acts.

It is specified here that, in the context of the invention, medical care means all types of actions by which one establishes, one or more types of diagnoses are preserved on the state of health of a person, one reestablishes health or taking a sample from a person.

It is also specified that, in the context of the invention, the term "autonomous medical care unit" means a unit that integrates all the medical equipment and devices with their control devices, enabling medical care to be fully provided to the patient. inside the module constituting the unit, without there being any need for the patient to leave this module.
For example, an autonomous care unit called "MRI", is that type that integrates a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and its device and / or control panel inside the module.

For example, a dental unit is one of the type that incorporates the medical equipment necessary for a dentist to check the condition of one or more teeth of a patient and / or perform an operation on that (s) . Thus, medical imaging or scanner devices can be used to apply medical care by visual diagnosis of the state of health of a patient.

It is specified here that, in the context of the invention, we mean by "central medical care structure", a building within which there is usually medical care.

The present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique en plan d'une unité de soins médicaux modulaire interchangeable selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue en plan d'une forme de bâtiment adapté à l'intégration d'un module tel que décrit à la figure 1.
• Les Figures 3, 4 et 5 sont des vues en coupe de modes de réalisation particuliers du bâtiment de la figure 2.

These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings of the figures, in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an interchangeable modular medical care unit according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of a building shape adapted to the integration of a module as described in FIG.
• Figures 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views of particular embodiments of the building of Figure 2.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, similar elements are denoted by similar references in the figures.

Detailed description of particular embodiments

The stand-alone medical care unit with the general reference 1, consists of a single container module 1 inside which is located a main care room 10. Inside this care room 10 is fixed, for example, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 sized for this purpose.

The module 1 according to the invention is equipped with a self-supporting structure and comprises walls 11 defining, depending on the equipment used, a faraday cage (case of the MRI) or a lead cage (case of the radiography ). These walls have a main access opening 12 for patients. Inside the container 1 is located a control room 13 with a control panel 130 of the imaging apparatus 100 placed in the treatment room 10. A wall 11 separates these two rooms 10, 13.

A technical room 14 containing power supply equipment of the apparatus 100 and the control panel 130, is also located inside the container 1, another wall 11 separating the room 14 from the treatment room 10. From this room starts from the connections making it possible to connect the equipment to solidary ducts of the building in which the unit is to be located or where appropriate to a means of transport, such as a truck C (FIG. 2a), and can thus be easily moved. At the rear of the technical room 14 is arranged a secondary opening 15 which allows for example the exclusive access from the outside to persons likely to intervene inside this room 14, especially when a patient is present in the care room 10, without disrupting the medical procedures dispensed to the latter.

Figures 2, 3,4 and 5 show the unit 1 removably attached within a central structure 2 of medical care (here a radiology center) 2. With the unit in place, the main access opening 12 of the patients is directly opposite an access 20 provided in the central structure.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the modules are located next to a undressing booth (21).

The floor of the building where the interchangeable units are to be arranged comprises a series of hatches 50, 50a, 50b, ... formed in the floor 10, of dimensions corresponding to those of the modules 1. In this way, it is possible to easily change a module 1 and therefore the medical devices it contains while maintaining at all times the availability of the building 2. This may occur in the case where the type of a device must be changed as obsolete or defective, or even needs to be replaced.

Following the same principle, each unit itself comprises at least one hatch 16 formed in its own floor 11a, which can let through all types of medical devices sized to come implant in the care room 10, such as the MRI apparatus 100. This embodiment allows both rapid replacement in situ of any equipment and, if it is necessary to extract the module from its location, repair faster in the workshop.

As seen in FIG. 2, the medical care building includes a plurality of modular care arranged in an arc, the first access opening of the care units being disposed on the same side of this arc. This arrangement presents a series of advantages. Among these advantages, the fact that a control station and / or viewing 3 can be disposed near the center of this arc. The doctors in charge of the treatment thus have, from this post, at the same time a direct sight on the various modular care rooms, and can thus intervene quickly, and, on screens arranged on a desk in an arc of circle, of all data on the patient's condition and ongoing analyzes.

As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the building 2 can form a complete circle, thus constituting an independent radiology center. It can also be designed in a semi-circle, or even a quarter circle, and be integrated or attached to another building. It comprises here three distinct concentric zones 24, 25 and 26:

The first zone 24, located the outermost and ring-shaped, is the zone in which non-dependent patients (ie who can move alone) can circulate and / or wait. The wall facing the outside is preferably a curtain wall which can be formed of large windows. The second zone 25, contiguous to the first 24, forms an intermediate annular crown, in which are implanted the modules 1, which are joined permanent undressing 21 cabs. Each autonomous unit 1 includes medical equipment whose use may be identical or complementary to that of neighboring modules, depending on the specialization and the public targeted by the hospital. It can be MRI, ultrasound, scanner or other devices. The third zone 26, contiguous to the second 25, separated from the first 24 and forming the central core of the structure 2, is the area in which dependent patients (that is to say, who can not move alone) can be brought by specialized personnel, circulate or wait. There can also be an arrival zone to the care and an exit zone, so as to avoid that patients entering and leaving cross.

The principle described can be applied on several floors. Indeed, current building technologies can design, including using a metal frame, very resistant structures and scalable multi-storey.

Each floor can be equipped with an independent control station. However, it is also possible to provide a mobile control station 3. It can thus be integrated into a vertical, horizontal or swivel mode translational device. His mobility allows him to reach the floor or the location where his presence is most appropriate. It is connected to the building by any means of connection necessary for optimum operation of the whole.

The modules can be put in place according to various diagrams, notably those described in FIGS. 3,4 and 5. The building 2 comprises, beneath a floor dedicated to care, a technical floor 49, of a shape corresponding to the location of all the modules 1, accessible for example to road vehicles C bringing the different modules 1. Each module 1 can be brought in the immediate vicinity of the hatch 50 defining its future location and raised in place, either by a lifting device 52 secured to the vehicle C, either by a crane system 22,23, or by an independent lifting system 54 mounted on a wheel or rails 56. When the module 1 is in place, it is locked to the building at level of the floor by a system of locks or clabots (not shown). Sealing means also arranged at floor height avoid contamination or passage of dust from the technical floor to the care area.

With regard to FIG. 3, it should be noted that, if necessary, the module 1 can be equipped with a clean winch, capable of hoisting it up to its location within the building.

Once locked in place, its electrical, imaging, oxygen supply, water, pressure or vacuum system, if it does, are connected to the corresponding systems of the building, and it becomes functional at the cost of a minimum of handling and soiling. Specific connectors make it possible to send to the control station 3 the data and the images collected by the apparatus 100.

The module may, if necessary, be provided with autonomous power sources, so that it can be used as an independent unit of care, grafted on a transport vehicle if necessary.

It will be noted however that each module of the invention, unlike a "conventional" module, is intended a priori to operate inside a building. Consequently, it can be provided, in its simplest design, relatively light outer walls, able to be coated with a decorative facing after installation. As it is then subjected to bad weather that the time of its transport from the workshop to its site of use, the module can then be provided with temporary external protection, removable.

• au moins un emplacement adapté à recevoir de manière amovible, une unité de soins médicaux modulaire (1)
• une zone technique (49) permettant d'amener, depuis l'extérieur, chacune unité (1) jusqu'à son emplacement et/ou d'extraire chaque unité de son emplacement.
• des moyens de mise en place de chaque unité depuis la zone technique vers son emplacement et réciproquement
• au moins une unité de soins médicaux modulaire interchangeable (1), constituée par un module formant conteneur (1) équipé de moyens de manipulation, à l'intérieur de laquelle est située au moins une salle de soin (10) munie d'appareillages (100).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples and described above. The invention comprises each of the novel features as well as their combination. The presence of reference numbers can not be considered as limiting. The use of the term "includes" in no way excludes the presence of other elements other than those mentioned. The use of the definite article "a" to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting.
In summary, the invention can be described as follows:
A building (2) medical care, which includes

• at least one location adapted to removably receive a modular medical unit (1)
• a technical area (49) for bringing each unit (1) from the outside to its location and / or extracting each unit from its location.
• means of setting up each unit from the technical zone to its location and vice versa
• at least one interchangeable modular medical unit (1) consisting of a container module (1) equipped with handling means, inside which at least one treatment room (10) provided with apparatus ( 100).

Claims (16)

Building (2) medical care, characterized in that it comprises at least one location adapted to removably receive a modular medical care unit (1) - A technical area (49) for bringing, from the outside, each unit (1) to its location and / or to extract each unit from its location. means for setting up each unit from the technical zone to its location and vice versa at least one interchangeable modular medical care unit (1) constituted by a container module (1) equipped with handling means, inside which at least one room (10) equipped with apparatus (100) is located. ), comprising outer walls (11) having at least one access opening (12), which comprises fixing means for releasably fixing it inside the building (2). Medical care building (2) according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of modular care unit locations (1) characterized in that these locations are arranged in an arc, the first access opening (12) of the units care (1) being disposed on the same side of this arc of a circle, a control structure and / or display (3) being disposed near the center of this arc. Building (2) medical care according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the technical area (49) is disposed under the modular care unit locations (1). Building (2) medical care according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the means for placing each unit from the technical area to its location and vice versa comprise a lifting system (22, 23) integrated into the building . Building (2) medical care according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the means of setting up each unit from the technical area to its location and vice versa comprise a lifting system (52) integrated with a vehicle ( C) bringing the units to near their location. Building (2) medical care according to any one of claims 2 to 5 characterized in that the locations are arranged in an arc on several floors. Building (2) medical care according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a first access zone disposed on the side of the first access opening (12) of the modules (1) and a second access zone disposed on the side of the second access opening (12) of the modules (1). Interchangeable modular medical care unit (1) for a building according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a container module (1) with handling means, inside which is located at at least one room (10) provided with apparatus (100), comprising external walls (11) having at least one access opening (12), provided with fixing means for detachably fixing it inside a building, such that after its setting in position, this at least one access opening (12) is arranged opposite an access arranged in the building. Modular care unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said unit comprises means of input and output connections of the apparatus (100) to cables and conduits integral with the building. Modular care unit (1) according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that its interior volume comprises internal walls to subdivide into rooms for different uses. Modular care unit (1) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a second access opening (15) disposed substantially opposite the first access opening (12) . Modular care unit (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one detachable connection system for connecting to a transport means. Modular care unit (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that its floor comprises at least one door (16), designed to let any type of equipment, furniture or medical devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c ...) to be implanted in its interior volume (10). Modular care unit (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an integrated decontamination system. Modular care unit (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the entire structure (2) is designed to provide only roundings and fillets in all the connections of partitions and walls, so as to allow optimum cleaning of the premises. Modular care unit (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a medical waste evacuation circuit and soiled equipment to an outer zone.

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