Using Human Factors Engineering to Enhance New Trauma Bay Effectiveness.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare design
• Human factors engineering
• Patient safety

Background:

• Inadequate spatial design in healthcare settings can lead to patient harm and operational inefficiencies.
• Human Factors Engineering (HFE) offers a human-centered approach to assess built environments for potential impacts on patients and staff.
• HFE was applied to a proposed trauma bay design before construction to identify potential improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of HFE assessment on a new trauma bay layout.
• To determine if HFE could enhance provider safety, reduce errors, and decrease costs.
• To test a structured, iterative approach for design changes prior to construction.

Main Methods:

• A cardboard mock-up of the proposed trauma bay was constructed.
• Interdisciplinary teams conducted mock scenarios using the mock-up.
• A mixed-methods analysis, including pre/post surveys and video analysis (link, bump, crossover), was employed.
• An iterative process adapted architectural plans based on team feedback.

Main Results:

• Survey data showed improved "ability to do your job" (3.85 to 4.25).
• Bump analysis decreased from 47 to 33; patient crossovers decreased from 7 to 0.
• Estimated cost savings reached $333,200.

Conclusions:

• HFE assessment provides a structured, iterative method for testing healthcare facility designs before construction.
• Integrating HFE into facility design can significantly improve staff satisfaction, safety, and reduce costs.
• This approach identified key areas for improvement in the trauma bay layout.