Emergency Department Design: 7 Best Practices to Improve Provider Efficiency and Patient Care

Efficiency can make a significant difference in patient outcomes

Emergency departments (EDs) serve as the front line of healthcare delivery, where efficiency can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Designing the physical space of an ED to optimize the efficiency of physicians, nurses and other providers requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. In this blog, we’ll delve into the best practices for designing ED spaces that facilitate smooth workflows, enhance provider productivity and enable the delivery of the best patient care.

1. Functional Layout: The layout of an ED plays a crucial role in provider efficiency. A well-designed layout should prioritize easy navigation and minimize the distance between key areas such as triage, treatment rooms, and support services like radiology and laboratory facilities. By arranging these spaces in a logical sequence, providers can move swiftly between patient care activities without unnecessary delays. Per the Center for Health design study Efficiency and Teamwork in Emergency Departments: Perception of Staff on Design Interventions, centralized nursing stations are significantly help to improve efficiency and teamwork as well.
2. Patient Flow Optimization: The flow of patients through the ED should be carefully managed to prevent bottlenecks and minimize wait times. This includes designing dedicated pathways for different patient acuities, implementing efficient triage systems, and coordinating transitions of care between different areas of the department. By optimizing patient flow, providers can focus their time and energy on delivering timely and effective care.
3. Efficient Room Configuration: Treatment rooms and bays should be strategically configured to maximize efficiency. This includes placing essential equipment and supplies within easy reach of providers, minimizing clutter, and ensuring adequate space for patient assessments and procedures. Technology integration within rooms streamlines documentation processes and reduces administrative burden on providers. Additionally, designing flexible treatment spaces that can accommodate various patient acuities and procedures allows for optimal resource utilization.
4. Designated Staff Workstations: Designated workstations within the ED should be ergonomically designed, and be strategically located to minimize interruptions and provide easy access to patient information, communication systems, and support services. In the article Optimizing Emergency Department Workspace to Promote Wellness, recommendations include shared wall-mounted computer screens with a view of the tracking board and other key data, adjustable seating and 24-hour variable lighting.
5. Sufficient Space for Team Collaboration: Collaborative spaces within the ED facilitate communication and teamwork among healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, specialists and other staff. Designing dedicated areas for team huddles, case discussions, and interdisciplinary rounds promotes efficient information sharing and decision-making, ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes.
6. Safety and Security Considerations: Safety and security are paramount in ED design to protect both patients and staff. The ACEP article Design Considerations for a Safer Emergency Department contains a number of helpful recommendations like placement of reception desks against walls with exit doors, location of security guards near the reception desk and glass-enclosed triage and assessment areas.
7. Adherence to Regulatory Standards: Compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines is essential in ED design to ensure patient safety and quality of care. Designing the physical space of the ED in accordance with regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and fire safety codes not only avoids potential penalties but also contributes to a more efficient and accessible healthcare environment.

Take-Aways

Optimizing the physical space of an emergency department is crucial for enhancing provider efficiency and ultimately improving patient care outcomes. By incorporating functional layouts, efficient room configurations, optimal equipment placement, and other best practices into ED design, healthcare facilities can create environments that support seamless workflows and enable physicians, nurses and other providers to deliver timely and effective care to patients in need.