Healthcare Design - May 2018 - 39

ment as a whole. Universal rooms also prevent unnecessary patient moves
from one room to another, cut room turnover time, and, in many cases, allow exams and treatments to be completed in one room.
The use of supply carts can further streamline day-to-day operations and
reduce time spent hunting and gathering supplies. Micro-level modularity keeps supplies readily available for staff and in the same place in every
room. While it's difficult to use built-in casework to house all the supplies
that will be needed for every possible ED treatment and procedure,
supply carts can be customized for
several specialties and more efficiently stocked, allowing better inventory control and reducing waste
from expired products.
For this model to work best, cart
alcoves should be located near the
exam and treatment rooms to allow
materials to be pulled into rooms
as patients arrive. Planners should
include supply zones with nearby
spaces to temporarily house carts
for restocking and provide access
to power for equipment that needs
charging or emergency power. While not new to the industry, supply carts
are increasingly recognized for their demonstrated success in driving efficiency and adaptability to operational changes-offering more customizable options in anticipation of a stronger demand in EDs.

CORGAN

S TA F F E N G A G E M E N T A N D S AT I S FA C T I O N

The ED is one of the most stressful healthcare settings for physicians and
nurses, who are at risk of fatigue and burnout due to the nature of their
work and environment. Studies have indicated that providing opportunities for staff socialization, communication, and collaboration improves
engagement, which can lead to increased patient satisfaction. Conversely, poor communication has been shown to contribute to lower quality
care.
To support better, more effective communication and collaboration,
staff work zones need to be designed to encourage conversation without
compromising privacy or disrupting patients by using sound mitigation
strategies, including white noise and sound-absorbing materials in the
ceiling, walls, and flooring.
Dedicated areas or small rooms that break up the high noise associated
with the open bullpen design of traditional EDs and provide space for
confidential conversations that maintain HIPAA compliance are also important. Partial walls, glass panels, sliding doors, and proximity to nurses'
stations allow staff to balance private conversations while maintaining
approachability and availability for colleagues and patient monitoring.
Call-back alcoves offer space for staff to return phone calls rather than
assigning nurses to a desk or conceding privacy by handling calls in an
open environment.
Smartly integrated elements for social connections, staff respite, and
collaboration within the unit provide intuitive, more personal opportunities for regular, seamless communication needed for improving staff and
patient satisfaction. Multiple touchdown spots and options for collaboration and engagement improve communication and response times-ultimately supporting a faster throughput and better patient outcomes.

The adaptable
universal ED rooms
at Parkland Hospital
in Dallas have limited
built-ins and can be
quickly and easily
customized with
supply carts for a
variety of procedures
and treatment needs.

MAY 2018

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Healthcare Design - May 2018

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