Zborowsky, T., Bunker-Hellmich, L., Morelli, A., & O'Neill, M. (2010). Centralized vs. decentralized nursing stations: Effects on nurses' functional use of space and work environment. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 3(4), 19-42.
Abstract
Objective: Evidence-based findings of the effects of nursing station design on nurses’ work environment and work behavior are essential to improve conditions and increase retention among these fundamental members of the healthcare delivery team. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate how nursing station design (i.e., centralized and decentralized nursing station layouts) affected nurses’ use of space, patient visibility, noise levels, and perceptions of the work environment.
Methods: The study used an exploratory design with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data regarding the effects of nursing station design on nurses’ health and work environment were gathered by means of focus group interviews. Quantitative data-gathering techniques included place- and person-centered space use observations, patient visibility assessments, sound level measurements, and an online questionnaire regarding perceptions of the work environment.
Results: Nurses on all units were observed most frequently performing telephone, computer, and administrative duties. Time spent using telephones, computers, and performing other administrative duties was significantly higher in the centralized nursing stations. Consultations with medical staff and social interactions were significantly less frequent in decentralized nursing stations. There were no indications that either centralized or decentralized nursing station designs resulted in superior visibility. Sound levels measured in all nursing stations exceeded recommended levels during all shifts. No significant differences were identified in nurses’ perceptions of work control-demand-support in centralized and decentralized nursing station designs.
Conclusions: The “hybrid” nursing design model in which decentralized nursing stations are coupled with centralized meeting rooms for consultation between staff members may strike a balance between the increase in computer duties and the ongoing need for communication and consultation that addresses the conflicting demands of technology and direct patient care.
Keywords: Nursing station design, nurses’ work environment
Experts
Terri Zborowsky is a nurse and design researcher at HGA, multidisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering. From where she sits, she believes post pandemic, we will never look at staff spaces the same again. On issues ranging from keeping staff safe from workplace injuries (and even death in the case of COVID-19 infection), to staff respite and break areas, the voice of frontline staff will now, and forever be, at the table, helping to make design decisions.