Determining the optimal number of patient rooms for an acute care unit.

With nearly $200 billion of healthcare construction expected by 2015, nurse leaders must expand their knowledge and capabilities in healthcare design. This bimonthly department, edited by Jaynelle F. Stichler, DNS, RN, FACHE, prepares nurse leaders to use the evidence-based design process to ensure that new, expanded, and renovated hospitals facilitate optimal patient outcomes, enhance the work environment for healthcare providers, and improve organizational performance. The authors of this article discuss issues to be considered in determining the optimal number of patient rooms to design for an acute care patient care unit.