Assessing the Physical Environment of Emergency Departments

Background: Emergency Department (ED) is considered to be the heart of a hospital. Based on many studies, a well-organized physical environment can enhance efficacy. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of physical environment in EDs on efficacy. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted via the faculty members of the ED and residents of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a predefined questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: Sixty-two participants, including ۲۱ females and ۴۱ males, completed the questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was ۳۷ years (SD: ۸.۴۲). The mean work experience was ۸ years (SD: ۴.۵۲) and all the studied variables varied within a range of ۳.۳ - ۴.۲. Time indices had the highest mean among variables followed by capacity, work space, treatment units, critical care units and, triage indices, respectively. Conclusions: In general, time indices including length of patient stay in the ED and space capacity, emphasizing the need to address these shortcomings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hospital Design and Construction ، environment design ، Accident and Emergency Department ، Physical Challenges