Using an integrative mock-up simulation approach for evidence-based evaluation of operating room design prototypes.

This paper describes the process and tools developed as part of a multidisciplinary collaborative simulation-based approach for iterative design and evaluation of operating room (OR) prototypes. Full-scale physical mock-ups of healthcare spaces offer an opportunity to actively communicate with and to engage multidisciplinary stakeholders in the design process. While mock-ups are increasingly being used in healthcare facility design projects, they are rarely evaluated in a manner to support active user feedback and engagement.

Using a systems approach to evaluate a circulating nurse's work patterns and workflow disruptions.

The physical environment affects how work is done in operating rooms (OR). The circulating nurse (CN), in particular, requires access to and interacts with materials, equipment, and technology more than other OR team members. Naturalistic study of CN behavior is therefore valuable in assessing how OR space and physical configuration influences work patterns and disruptions.

The Impact of Operating Room Layout on Circulating Nurse's Work Patterns and Flow Disruptions: A Behavioral Mapping Study.

Aim: To assess how the adjacencies of functionally different areas within operating rooms (ORs) can influence the circulating nurse's (CN) workflow patterns and disruptions.

Background: The CN plays a significant role in promoting patient safety during surgical procedures by observing, monitoring, and managing potential threats at and around the surgical field. Their work requires constant movement to different parts of the OR to support team members.