The physical environment and multi-professional teamwork in three newly built stroke units

To explore multi-professional teamwork in relation to the physical environment in three newly built or renovated stroke units.

An observational study was undertaken. The participants were all staff members of a multi-professional team working in the reviewed stroke units. The data were collected using behavioural mapping and semi-structured observations, and they were analysed by content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Out of all the observations in the behavioural mapping, very few were of two or more members from the team together with a patient. None of the included stroke units had a co-location for all the members of the multi-professional team. Three main categories emerged from the analysis of the interviews: (i) the hub of the unit; (ii) the division of places; and (iii) power imbalance. All the categories reflected the teamwork in relation to parts of the physical environment.

The design of the physical environment is important for multi-professional teamwork. Emphasis must be placed on better understanding the impact of the physical environment and on incorporating the evidence related to multi-professional teamwork during the design of stroke units.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONUnderstanding the link between the physical environment and effective teamwork can lead to more tailored and supportive design solutions.The design of the physical environment should be considered as a vital part of effective teamwork in stroke units.The physical environment should include shared workstations, allowing team members to meet and communicate face to face.