Insights & Solutions

Yuan, H., Shen, X., (2023) Optimizing floor plans of accessible restrooms in elderly long-term care facilities: A path planning approach. Architectural Engineering and Design Management

In order to avoid excessively disabling an entire population of mobility aid users as well as decrease excessive dependency on caregivers, restroom design has to be optimized. The goal of this study was to explore how mobility path-planning simulation software can increase the convenience of restroom use for individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers. Researchers used a virtual path-planning method for generating floorplans and evaluating simulated patterns of movement between fixtures to identify the most convenient layout. The highest convenience score for a 2-fixture restroom layout resulted in the toilet at a 90-degree angle to the door and adjacent to the opposing wall; the sink’s optimal location was opposite the door.  In a 3-fixture arrangement, the sink remained opposite the door, and the toilet remained on the same wall as in the 2-fixture arrangement but was relocated adjacent to the wall with the door so the shower could occupy its previous location. Notably, a minimum room size for a 3-fixture layout required minimum dimensions of 2m x 2m (6.5’ x 6.5’). While not statistically significant, in all scores, the 45° side approach is the most effective for limiting both path length and turning angles making corner fixtures more convenient for movement.       

Nilvér, H., Berg, M., (2023) The birth companions' experience of the birthing room and how it influences the supportive role: A qualitative study. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal   

When women in labor are accompanied and supported by non-professional companions, both mother and newborn benefit. This study explores the birthing experience from the companion’s perspective to highlight how the space influences their ability to provide support to their laboring partner. Birth companions in a variety of different roles (partners, doulas, family, and friends) provided feedback to researchers about their experiences. Most companions sought to create a supportive space in the unfamiliar birthing environment. They focused on not being in the way of professional caregivers, finding their role while often subordinating their own basic needs, and staying close to their loved one.  Recommendations for creating spaces to accommodate companion presence include storage for belongings, comfortable furniture, transitional entry into the birthing room, the ability to conceal medical equipment, and nourishment and toileting facilities for companions.

Morag, I., Sonmez, V., Van Puyvelde, A., Pintelon, L., (2024) Improving wayfinding in hospitals for people with diverse needs and abilities: An exploratory approach based on multi-criteria decision making. Applied Ergonomics

In order to optimize the orientation and navigation capabilities of people with diminished cognitive and physical capabilities, there is a need to understand their perception and priority for wayfinding  features. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship of wayfinding behavior while under the influence of design features. Researchers evaluated feature identification along hospital routes through direct observation and participant self-assessment. Visual affordances were the most highly rated between both groups, making a moderate to fairly strong difference in their decision-making along routes.

Goel, S., Mihandoust, S., Joseph, A., Markowitz, J., Gonzales, A., Browning, M., (2024) Design of pediatric outpatient procedure environments: A pilot study to understand the perceptions of patients and their parents. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal

Outpatient procedures are becoming more commonplace for pediatric patients and managing patient and caregiver anxiety associated with treatment is an important aspect of care. This study was conducted in a pediatric outpatient facility where gastrointestinal procedures were performed. Researchers followed child/parent dyads through different phases of treatment (waiting room, pre-procedure room, procedure room, and recovery room), monitored two physiologic stress indicators via wrist sensor, and asked them to identify features of each space that they liked or disliked. Although the physiologic metrics were not statistically significant, responses suggested children experienced most anxiety in the waiting and pre-procedure rooms and parents were most anxious in the waiting room during their child’s procedure. For both groups, anxiety was lowest in the recovery room. Waiting and pre-procedure room distractions could help alleviate anxiety in children and their caregivers.

Jones, I. G. R., Friedman, S., Vu, M., Awladthani, S., Watts, C., Simpson, A., Al-Farsi, A. A., Gupta, R., Cupido, C., & Choong, K. (2023). Improving Daily Patient Goal-Setting and Team Communication: The Liber8 Glass Door Project*. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.

Advancing technology offers a myriad of ways to keep clinical teams and families apprised of care goals, however, sometimes the simplest solution can be effective, too. This study was part of a larger quality improvement initiative (the Liber8 project) of 8 evidence-based care components to minimize complications and improve functional recovery in critically ill kids. A simple $40 door decal was used to document targeted patient goals and progress. The team measured uptake, performance, efficiency and acceptability before and after the implementation. The results were positive, and use actually improved at a measurement point one year following implementation compared to the initial measurement a couple of weeks after the decals had been installed. Even after the organization implemented an electronic health record, teams continued to use the decal as out of sight is out of mind, and the visibility of the solution was seen to be less siloed than the EHR.

Derry, K. H., Sicat, C. S., Shen, M., Davidovitch, R. I., Schwarzkopf, R., & Rozell, J. C. (2023). Role of Operating Room Size on Air Quality in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain an issue, and orthopedic SSIs are particularly problematic. This summary of two studies looks at the evaluation of temperature, humidity, and airborne biologic particle counts per minute in two ORs, one small and one large, in the same medical center. Particulate counts were used as a proxy since airborne particles have been linked to bacterial concentrations that can lead to SSIs. In both studies, there were significant decreases in particles of certain sizes in the large OR compared to the small OR. The study suggests that other factors being “assumed” equal, OR size alone might be a contributing factor to SSIs. The two studies document literal diffusion of particles in more volume, and along with other things we know about OR design, highlight the importance of diffusion of knowledge as we learn more about specific topics through a variety of studies.

Derry, K. H., Sicat, C. S., Shen, M., Davidovitch, R. I., Schwarzkopf, R., & Rozell, J. C. (2023). Role of Operating Room Size on Air Quality in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain an issue, and orthopedic SSIs are particularly problematic. This summary of two studies looks at the evaluation of temperature, humidity, and airborne biologic particle counts per minute in two ORs, one small and one large, in the same medical center. Particulate counts were used as a proxy since airborne particles have been linked to bacterial concentrations that can lead to SSIs. In both studies, there were significant decreases in particles of certain sizes in the large OR compared to the small OR. The study suggests that other factors being “assumed” equal, OR size alone might be a contributing factor to SSIs. The two studies document literal diffusion of particles in more volume, and along with other things we know about OR design, highlight the importance of diffusion of knowledge as we learn more about specific topics through a variety of studies.

Ukegjini, K., Kastiunig, T., Widmann, B., Warschkow, R., & Steffen, T. (2020). Impact of intraoperative noise measurement on the surgeon stress and patient outcomes. A prospective, controlled, single-center clinical trial with 664 patients.

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.

Mcleod, R., Myint-Wilks, L., Davies, S., & Elhassan, H. (2021). The impact of noise in the operating theatre: A review of the evidence. The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.

Fu, V. X., Oomens, P., Merkus, N., & Jeekel, J. (2021). The perception and attitude toward noise and music in the operation room: A systematic review. Journal of Surgical Research

Embark with me on an exploration of operating room acoustics. In my presentation, I delve into the impact of noise on surgical outcomes, drawing from two literature reviews and a clinical trial. As a Ph.D. candidate specializing in hybrid operating rooms, I provide insights into the challenges posed by noise in these dynamic environments. The first review reveals the intricate relationship between noise levels and postoperative complications, highlighting its effects on stress, communication, and performance. The second review delves into the consequences of noise on surgical team functioning and patient care, focusing on communication breakdowns and potential errors. The narrative culminates with a clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a visual noise warning device as an innovative solution to address the issue of excessive noise. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need to address operating room noise for the benefit of both patients and surgical teams. Follow me on this journey where the answer to noise may be found in the surprising combination of visual design elements.