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Knowledge Repository

Effects of the physical environment on children and families in hospital-based emergency departments: A systematic literature review

Author(s): Gripko, M., Joseph, A., MohammadiGorji, S.
The emergency department (ED) environment is often a very stressful place, especially for young children and their families. Previous studies show that highly stimulating environments may increase anxiety. There are many complex relationships among the physical environment and healthcare outcomes in the emergency department, and themes in this study include control, positive distractions, family and social supports, and designing for a safe and comfortable experience.
Key Point Summary
Added February 2023

The psychological impact of the workplace environment in critical care A qualitative exploration

Author(s): Grailey, K., Leon-Villapalos, C., Murray, E., Brett, S. J.
Researchers acknowledge the intersection of cultural and environmental elements of intensive care units and resulting staff perceptions of those elements. Single patient rooms, varying levels of visibility, and workflow issues are just a few of the environmental conditions that have an impact on clinical staff.
Key Point Summary
Added January 2023

Sound Control for Improved Outcomes in Healthcare Settings

Author(s): Joseph, A., Ulrich, R. S.
Added December 2022

Beyond co-location: Visual connections of staff workstations and staff communication in primary care clinics

Author(s): Lim, L., Kanfer, R., Stroebel, R. J., Zimring, C. M.
Added August 2022

The Healthcare Workspace: Understanding the Role of Decentralized Nursing Stations, Corridors, and Huddle Spaces as Locations for Teamwork in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Author(s): Fay, L., Real, K., Haynes, S.
Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) host fragile and vulnerable patients. Research studies on NICUs with a single-family room (SFR) layout demonstrate benefits to both neonates and their parents but the impact on staff remains unclear. The decentralization associated with SFRs may impair teamwork.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2022

Antibiotic-resistant organisms establish reservoirs in new hospital built environments and are related to patient blood infection isolates

Author(s): Sukhum, K. V., Newcomer, E. P., Cass, C., Wallace, M. A., Johnson, C., Fine, J., Sax, S., Barlet, M. H., Burnham, C.-A. D., Dantas, G., Kwon, J. H.
Added June 2022

Placing users at the center: Evaluating exam room design for improved user experience

Author(s): Matić, Z., Oh, Y., Lim, L., Zimring, C.
While outpatient exam rooms have remained largely unchanged for the past few decades, limited research suggests that design configurations can influence the quality of care. The relationship of the door, exam table, EHR, and sink can support patient privacy, patient-provider communication, and provider efficiency.
Key Point Summary
Added June 2022

The demand for specialization and its influence on the design of inpatient nursing units: Can standardized design be done once and for all?

Author(s): Xuan, X., Duan, X., Feng, Z.
Research shows that specialized units, such as psychiatry and intensive care, require built environments that are specific to their patient populations. Medical-surgical units within the same facility typically have similar physical layouts even though they often serve distinct patient populations.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2022

Clinic design for safety during the pandemic: Safety or teamwork, can we only pick one?

Author(s): Lim, L., Zimring, C. M., DuBose, J. R., Fischer, G. M., Stroebel, R.
Research shows that teamwork improves patient and staff outcomes, reduces medical errors, and enhances quality of care. Teams are more effective when team members work in close proximity, are visually connected, and cross paths throughout the work day, but these practices can be detrimental during a pandemic.
Key Point Summary
Added April 2022

Relationship of the built environment on nursing communication patterns in the Emergency Department: A task performance and analysis time study

Author(s): Tindle, K., Allison, D., Carlisle, S., Faircloth, B., Fields, J. M., Hayden, G., Ku, B.
Added April 2022