Spatial design review of an emergency department plan

Our approach

Although an architect’s plan existed for the renovation project, the customer asked our strategic design team to make sure it aligned with their strategic goals of increasing clinical process efficiency and enhancing the overall patient and staff experience.

Data analytics
To understand the ED’s current challenges and user perceptions, our team began with a thorough analysis of current and expected future market demands. In parallel, qualitative and quantitative data from patient and staff was gathered and comments from social media channels and results from a community perception study were taken into account.

Spatial assessment
The current architect’s plan was reviewed in terms of layout, clinical workflow efficiency, and patient and staff experience. The assessment looked into circulation paths for staff and patients, evaluated staff lines of sight and assessed the number or spaces with access to daylight.

Recommendations
Our consultants provided recommendations as well as new floorplans and 3D designs to enhance the current design plans. Focus was on increasing staff efficiency and patient satisfaction. Recommendations included using central courtyards and clerestory windows to bring daylight into the ED facility. Other recommendations to improve staff observation included decentralizing large nurse stations to create smaller nurse stations with close proximity to patient exams room.