Assessing the Physical Environment of Emergency Departments

BACKGROUND Emergency Department (ED) is considered to be the heart of a hospital. Based on many studies, a well-organized physical environment can enhance efficacy. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of physical environment in EDs on efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted via the faculty members of the ED and residents of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a predefined questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Sixty-two participants, including 21 females and 41 males, completed the questionnaires. The mean age of the participants was 37 years (SD: 8.42). The mean work experience was 8 years (SD: 4.52) and all the studied variables varied within a range of 3.3 - 4.2. Time indices had the highest mean among variables followed by capacity, work space, treatment units, critical care units and, triage indices, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In general, time indices including length of patient stay in the ED and space capacity, emphasizing the need to address these shortcomings.