Facility Design
Ergonomics and technology: The future
"By standing for two hours throughout an average workday, you can burn 280 extra calories. In one year, that converts to roughly 20 pounds of weight loss. Results vary depending on body shape and metabolism." In this presentation at the 2012 Healthcare Systems Improvement Conference, the author addresses the need to increase ergonomics awareness in and out of the workplace by exploring new technology such as tablets, readers and smartphones, their use and place in the work environment as well as the ever-changing workplace including trends in the office and telecommuting.
Evolution of the ED
This recent article from the American Institute of Architects describes progressive improvements to ED design from the author's perspective. Examples of this evolution are provided from University Hospital in Cincinnati, Strong Memorial Hospital, Marymount Hospital, and the University of Pittsburgh Mercy Hospital.
Alleviating crowding and minimizing length of stay continue to be major issues in the emergency department. However, when intake and flow in the ED are examined, it is clear that the issue is multifaceted; it will take a combination of improving proximities, changing the care paradigm, and operational changes to improve the conditions.
IE students at Clemson University have been involved in a multi-year study on patient room headwall design. The study included the School of Nursing at Clemson University and staff and facilities at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.