Insights & Solutions

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.

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.

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.

Taylor, A. Murakami, M., Kim, S., Chu R., Riek, L.D.  Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. Vol. 6, Issue CSCW2, Article No.: 442pp 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1145/3555543.

St. Elizabeth’s goal is to be the destination of choice in their region for cancer patients. Located at their Edgewood Hospital campus, the cancer program had outgrown their previous space and had become dispersed. This new 236,000 sf cancer center consolidates all services under one roof and promotes a compassionate place for wellness; provides flexible growth for future programs; promotes collaboration between medical staff; and inspires brand confidence. The design uses a combination of natural materials, soft geometry and emphasis on daylight create compassionate environments to elevate the patient and staff experience.

Joseph, A., Wingler, D., Zamani, Z., (2017). Balancing the Human Touch with the Need for Integrating Technology in Ambulatory Surgical Environments: Barriers and Facilitators to Nursing Work and Care Team Interactions

Major advances in medical technology - paired with changes in Medicare reimbursement policy - have led to rapid growth in outpatient surgery. While many of these advances are beneficial for healthcare organizations and patients, there are challenges in that there is still very little research focused on how the design of ambulatory surgery centers affects nursing work or the critical interactions between staff, patients, and families. In this study, researchers explore the relationship between the physical environment in pre-op and post-op areas of two ambulatory surgery centers.  This study highlights the vital importance of a systems view to understanding the healthcare environment. Taking a close look at the results, design teams may see opportunities to support better workflow through innovative design, including ways to locate pre-op and post-op areas to increase efficient use of the space at all times, not just at peak times.

Strömberg, M., Liman, L., Bang, P., & Igelström, K. (2022). Experiences of sensory overload and communication barriers by autistic adults in health care settings

In order to overcome autistic adults' elevated risk for health problems that can be further exacerbated by stressful and inefficient health care experiences, there is a need to understand and overcome specific challenges regarding sensory and communicative barriers. The goal of this study was to identify problematic patterns of sensory and communication experiences for autistic adults. Environmental barriers to communication related to sensory unpredictability and the inability to exercise control over the immediate environment. Environmental overstimulation related to the intensity of a variety of stimuli, including background sounds, olfactory and tactile stimuli, bright, flickering and non-diffused lights, clutter, unpleasant colors, temperature and ventilation.