Introduction
In the complex task of designing and building a hospital, planning is the cornerstone of success. A crucial element in this planning is the Medical Architectural Program (MAP). But what exactly is the MAP and why is it so important? In this article, we will explore the detailed methodology for the development of the MAP, an essential process to ensure that health facilities are designed to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
What is the Medical Architectural Program (MAP)?
The MAP is a document that defines and quantifies the spaces necessary for the efficient and safe operation of a hospital. This includes everything from the clinical rooms where patients are treated, to the administrative areas and technical spaces that support all hospital operations. In essence, the MAP is the roadmap that guides the architectural design of the hospital, ensuring that every square meter contributes to the main objective: to provide quality health care.
The Detailed Methodology for the Development of the MAP
The development of an effective MAP requires a systematic and multidisciplinary approach. The key stages of this process are detailed below:
1. Diagnostic and Information Gathering Phase
- Current State Assessment: The first step is to fully understand the current situation of the health facility. This involves analyzing the existing infrastructure, its condition, and its functionality.
- Supply and Demand Analysis: It is crucial to assess the health needs of the population the hospital will serve. This involves studying the demand for health services, both current and projected.
- Regulatory Review: Hospital design must comply with a series of regulations and standards. This includes building regulations, health regulations, and specific design guidelines for the health sector.
- Management Model Assessment: The way the hospital will be managed (centralization of services, outsourcing, etc.) directly influences the required spaces.
- Current PMA-PRT Assessment: Exhaustive survey of the current PMA-PRT (in case of extensions or remodeling).
2. Development Phase
- Classification of Spaces: Hospital spaces are classified into categories such as outpatient care, inpatient care, diagnostic and therapeutic support services, general services, among others.
- Determination of Surfaces: The dimensions and quantity of spaces necessary for each category are defined, based on regulations and design standards.
- Circulation Analysis: The flow of people and materials within the hospital is studied to optimize the distribution of spaces.
- Equipment Consideration: The medical and industrial equipment that the hospital will require is taken into account, as this influences the design of the spaces.
- Estimation of Technical Areas: The spaces necessary to house the hospital’s technical infrastructure (electrical, sanitary installations, etc.) are planned.
- PMA-PRT Design:
- Preliminary list of enclosures.
- Application of the criteria of the Planning and Design Guides and the resulting criteria of the functional program.
- Definition of the characteristics, conditions and specific norms of the enclosures.
- Calculation of the reference surfaces and/or dimensions of the enclosures.
3. Validation Phase
- Consultation with Users: Medical, administrative staff, and other stakeholders are involved in the review of the MAP.
- Adjustments and Approval: Necessary adjustments are made based on the observations received, and final approval of the document is obtained.
4. Determination of Gaps
- Comparison between existing and required infrastructure.
- Identification of deficits or surpluses of surface (by enclosure and by functional unit).
5. Construction of the Synthesis Table
- A summary table is generated with the quantity and surface area of the enclosures per unit.
6. Technical and Functional Validation
- The PMA-PRT is reviewed with the clinical and administrative teams to ensure its functionality.
The Multidisciplinary Team
The development of the PMA-PRT requires the collaboration of a diverse team of professionals, including architects specialized in hospital design, physicians, nurses, engineers of various specialties, medical technologists, and experts in hospital management.
The Importance of Previous Information
Having accurate and detailed information is essential for the success of the PMA. This includes the management model of the establishment, the results of supply and demand studies, current regulations, design guidelines, and the characteristics of the land.
Expected Products
The development of the PMA generates a series of key documents:
- Main Document (PMA-PRT): A detailed list of hospital enclosures, classified by areas and with information on their surfaces and characteristics.
- Supplementary Documents: Plans, descriptive report, basic technical specifications, and list of technical enclosures.
- Methodological Report: A document that details the fundamentals, criteria, and technical decisions adopted in the development of the PMA.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the stages mentioned, it is important to consider aspects such as:
- Circulation analysis.
- Flexibility for future expansions.
- Universal accessibility.
- Sustainability.
Conclusion
The Medical Architectural Program is a complex but essential process for the creation of efficient, safe, and patient-centered health facilities. A well-defined methodology, a multidisciplinary team, and a solid foundation of information are the pillars for a successful PMA, which will guide the design of hospitals that respond to the health needs of the population.