Thesis project: Redesigning the emergency department

The Restorative ED serves as an exemplar, demonstrating the application of design solutions to enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals. This project was informed by a thorough literature review, as well as content analysis of interviews with 20 physicians, residents, nurse practitioners and RNs working in three EDs within the UF Health system. Data synthesis led to development of design recommendations that are appropriate for a variety of ED settings, including hospital-based and free-standing EDs. The Restorative ED includes 2 triage rooms, 14 exam rooms, 2 trauma bays, a bereavement room, imaging, lab, waiting and sub-waiting areas and staff spaces, comprising 14,470 SF. It supports staff needs for visual and acoustic privacy, lighting, noise and temperature control, access to nature and daylight, personal security and good wayfinding (to reduce requests for directions) within a sophisticated setting. The work lounge provides space for focused, heads down concentration with minimal distractions (a major source of stress) and a place to pause for moment, when needed. It offers a variety of seating, healthy snacks and a view to the enclosed garden to support well-being. The care team station provides good visibility to exam rooms, while encouraging collaboration and social support among team members. A staff-only patio is a retreat to nature where one can “catch their breath” to cope with job-related stress. The bereavement room allows families to remain with a deceased patient as long as they would like, allowing exam room turnover, which positively affects staff workflow. Security measures included a second exit within the triage rooms for staff to retreat from potentially aggressive patients and a sub-waiting area intended to reduce patient agitation.