Table 3 Potential relationship between Design Features, Processes and Outcomes of care
From: Evidence-based design in an intensive care unit: End-user perceptions
Design features (Structure) | Processes | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Patient Care Zone | ||
1. Ample windows | Abundant natural light | Increased end-user satisfaction |
Access to views of nature | Potential for less patient anxiety and stress* | |
2. Adjustable light level | Improved day/night cycles | Increased end-user satisfaction |
3. Noise control measures | Lower noise levels, improved teamwork, calmer visitors, improved visitor-provider interactions | Increased end-user satisfaction |
Fewer interruptions, improved provider concentration | Potential for improved task completion* | |
4. Single-occupancy rooms | Increased visitor presence at bedside, improved visitor-provider interactions | Improved end-user satisfaction, potential for improved confidentiality/privacy* |
Difficult to hear bedside alarms | Potential for more adverse events* | |
5. Large patient care area | Increased number of providers at bedside, improved teamwork, improved provider-provider interaction | Increased end-user satisfaction |
More walking, isolated providers, decreased provider-provider interaction | Decreased end-user satisfaction | |
6. Rooms clustered into clinical pods | Decreased provider situational awareness, fewer provider social interactions, more walking, increased number of providers required for coverage, decreased teamwork | Decreased end-user satisfaction, potential for more adverse events* |
Easier identification of caring team, reduced exposure to activities not related to patient care | Improved end-user satisfaction | |
7. Storage of supplies in the room | Increased access and utilization of supplies | Improved end-user satisfaction |
8. More computers | Improved medical documentation | Improved end-user satisfaction |
9. New equipment training | Improved early usability | Improved end-user satisfaction, potential for fewer adverse events* |
10. Decentralized nursing stations | Higher noise levels | Decreased end-user satisfaction |
Clinical Support Zone | ||
1. Restricted access to medication room | Fewer interruptions during medication preparation | Potential for fewer adverse events |
Difficult to hear bedside alarms | Potential for more adverse events* | |
2. Large medication room | Improved utilization by multiple providers at peak hours | Potential for fewer adverse events*, improved end-user satisfaction |
Unit Support Zone | ||
1. Provider areas close to the ICU | Increased utilization by providers | Improved end-user satisfaction |
2. Large provider support areas | Increased utilization by providers | Improved end-user satisfaction |
3. Administrative offices close to the ICU | Increased provider-decision-maker interactions | Improved end-user satisfaction |
4. Same storage configuration in all clinical pods | Improved access to and utilization of supplies | Improved end-user satisfaction |
Family Support Zone | ||
1. Family area location close to areas of interest to visitors | Increased visitor presence, improved visitor-visitor interaction, easier wayfinding | Improved end-user satisfaction |
2. Flexible family area configuration | Easier to accommodate diverse needs | Improved end-user satisfaction |
3. Access to free internet and telephone | Improved communication, increased visitor presence | Improved end-user satisfaction |