Purpose This study aims to examine trauma room staff’s perception of factors that influence workflow in trauma care from a physical environment standpoint. Design/methodology/approach A semi-structured focus group method was used. Trauma team members, representative of various roles within a team, were recruited from five Level I trauma centers in the USA, through a convenience sampling method. A total of 53 participants were recruited to participate in online focus groups. The Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model was used to analyze the findings. Findings In addition to factors directly related to the physical environment, aspects of people and technology, such as crowding and access to technology, were found to be related to the physical environment. Examples of factors that improve or hinder workflow are layout design, appropriate room size, doors, sink locations, access to resources such as X-ray or blood and access to technology. Seamless and uninterrupted workflow is crucial in achieving efficient and safe care in the time-pressured environments of trauma rooms. To support workflow, the physical environment can offer solutions through effective layout design, thoughtful location of resources and technology and room size. Originality/value Trauma rooms are time-pressured and complex environments where seconds matter to save a patient’s life. Ensuring safe and efficient care requires seamless workflow. However, the literature on workflow in trauma rooms is limited.
Objectives: This study explored design solutions that can help clinicians manage work-related stress, pursue mindful work, and practice relaxation and coping strategies. Background: Clinicians are experiencing burnout at increasingly higher rates, leading to compromised patient care. While self-care and stress management strategies are shown to be effective in healthcare settings, little is known about how the design of healthcare settings can facilitate these strategies. Methods: Using findings of a preceding study by the authors, a virtual walk-through video of a design proposal for a free-standing emergency department was built. Feedback data were collected from clinicians in 10 in-depth interviews, and emerging themes were identified using qualitative content analysis. Results: Our findings suggest that work environments that reflect intentional efforts to meet clinicians’ needs for stress management can enhance their feeling of being valued and sense of professional worth. Clinicians are more likely to step away from work if there are multiple spaces for bio breaks and rest breaks. Primary break rooms are preferred to be close to patient care areas, but respite/escape spaces are preferred to be distant and private from patient care areas. Participants endorsed the provision of at least one staff bathroom large enough for extra seating and one outdoor respite space. Multiple workspaces should allow the completion of various tasks with adjustable levels of privacy. Conclusions: We suggest special attention to non-institutional aesthetics, providing choice and control, increasing flexibility, promoting privacy for focused work, maximizing access to daylight and outdoors, and providing opportunities for grief support.
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