Incorporating Nurse Input and Evidence Into a Newly Designed Unit to Improve Patient and Nursing Outcomes

The aim of this study was to identify processes, outcomes, and lessons learned from designing a new evidence-based unit. A research study was conducted simultaneously to rigorously measure changes in patient and staff outcomes.

Nursing leadership and frontline nursing engagement are critical in evidence-based design to promote positive outcomes and workflow.

Quality indicators were tracked premove and postmove. Nursing workflow was tracked, and teamwork was examined.

The incidence of falls and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus decreased on the new unit. Patient satisfaction improved; the greatest improvement was noise reduction. Teamwork remained stable. Nurses spent significantly more time in the patient rooms on the new unit.

This hospital found nursing engagement in the unit design process to be imperative to promote positive patient outcomes and stable or improved teamwork. Nursing leaders should be involved at the onset of the design process to facilitate optimal outcomes.