Architecture and Infectious Diseases: Setting-up a Multipurpose Isolation Facility in Nigerian Hospitals

Authors

  • Nurudeen Shehu Barau B.Tech(Arch), M.Tech.(Arch), Ph.D. in-view(Arch), Department of Architecture, ATBU, Bauchi and P.M.B 0248, Nigeria
  • Ibrahim U. Hussaini B.Sc.(Arch), M.Sc.(Arch), Ph.D. (Arch), Department of Architecture, ATBU, Bauchi and P.M.B 0248, Nigeria
  • Usman Bukar Wakawa B.Tech(Arch),M.Tech.(Arch), Ph.D.(Arch)Department of Architecture, ATBU, Bauchi and P.M.B 0248, Nigeria

Keywords:

Architecture, Infectious Diseases, Multipurpose, Isolation, Facility, Nigeria Hospitals

Abstract

The high and continuous spread of infectious disease such as Corona virus (COVID-19) has affected public health globally. The preparedness of hospitals in the face of this situation is a problem in the Nigerian context, hospitals were faced with the problems of lack of viral containment spaces to isolate suspected cases and treat the infected patients. This research aims at exploring the design requirements and configurations of a multipurpose infectious disease isolation centre in Nigerian hospitals with a view to develop a framework for setting-up of infectious disease isolation facility in Nigerian hospitals. The research objectives are as follows: (1) To identify the functional spaces in isolation centres of Nigerian hospitals, (2) To determine the principles of configuration and design considerations in setting up of isolation centres in Nigerian hospitals and (3) To develop a framework or a model for the setting-up of IDIC in Nigerian hospitals. The above objectives were achieved through the employment of a qualitative research approach. An in-depth interview was conducted, the data was analysed using the thematic coding analysis. Results from qualitative analysis were reported in tables and narrative report, content analysis was also conducted. The result of the analysis reveals that an isolation centre should be zoned into four parts, namely: (1) Triage, (2) Green zone (safe zone), (3) Yellow zone (Semi-safe) and (4) Red zone (danger zone). The suspect bay should be in single rooms and that no more than one suspected patient should be in the same room. There is need for a molecular laboratory in the facility. There is need for negative pressure rooms for respiratory infections. The use of high efficiency particulate Air-condition (HEPA) is necessary for decontamination of indoor air before discharge. There is also a need for large open space to cater for watery diseases like cholera.

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Published

2021-12-09

How to Cite

Nurudeen Shehu Barau, Ibrahim U. Hussaini, & Usman Bukar Wakawa. (2021). Architecture and Infectious Diseases: Setting-up a Multipurpose Isolation Facility in Nigerian Hospitals. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 84(1), 27–49. Retrieved from https://www.asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/7176

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