Operating Room Staff Engagement in Design Planning: A Mixed Methods Study of Professional Perspectives in Australia

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Surgical Environments
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Operating room (OR) design significantly impacts patient safety, workflow efficiency, and staff experience.
• OR design processes are complex, balancing regulatory requirements, technical needs, and end-user input.
• Integrating diverse perspectives is essential for optimal OR environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate operating room (OR) staff engagement in design planning within Australia.
• To understand how professional experience influences participation, safety focus, and design priorities.
• To identify barriers and facilitators in OR design processes.

Main Methods:

• A sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and a national survey.
• Qualitative interviews (n=16) explored OR staff and design professionals' experiences.
• A national survey (n=418) assessed engagement patterns and role-based priorities.

Main Results:

• OR design is hindered by fragmented communication, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and hierarchical decision-making.
• OR staff reported minimal involvement, while designers faced challenges with participatory methods.
• Staff prioritized safety, ergonomics, and workflow; designers focused on regulatory and technical aspects.

Conclusions:

• Current OR design processes often lack inclusive, safety-centered collaboration between clinical, architectural, and institutional stakeholders.
• Integrating clinical expertise into design planning is vital for improving the relevance and safety of surgical environments.
• Improved participatory mechanisms can inform future policies and standards for collaborative OR planning.