Relocating an intensive care unit: An exploratory qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Hospital Infrastructure
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Transitioning from open-plan to single-patient rooms in intensive care units (ICUs) is a growing trend.
• While single rooms offer benefits like infection control and privacy, their impact on ICU patient safety and work processes needs further investigation.
• Strategies for managing the change to new physical environments are not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges and issues perceived by staff during the relocation to a new intensive care unit (ICU).
• To explore staff perspectives on transitioning to a geographically and structurally different ICU environment.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory ethnographic study was conducted in an Australian tertiary hospital ICU.
• Data were collected from 55 participants (nurses, doctors, allied health, support staff) through focus groups and interviews.
• Analysis involved deductive sorting into structure, process, and outcome domains, followed by inductive thematic identification.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: understanding the relocation plan, preparing for uncertainties in the new environment, and engaging with the relocation process.
• Staff concerns centered on the vulnerabilities and changes associated with the new work setting.
• Acknowledgement of the need for change and active participation were identified as crucial.

Conclusions:

• Systematic change management, strong leadership, and effective communication are vital for successful ICU relocations.
• Addressing staff anxiety and providing support are essential for a smooth transition.
• Developing work processes and models of care suitable for single-room environments and monitoring patient safety are critical.