Emergency Nurses’ Department Design Recommendations for Improved End-of-Life Care

Abstract

Emergency nurses understand the need for family presence during resuscitation, for secure body stowage areas, and for more resuscitation rooms so that families have time to grieve before being removed because of the immediate needs of a second trauma patient. Nurses can evaluate existing facilities to identify areas in which potential change and remodeling could improve care, increase patient privacy, or further utilize space. Understanding ED design's impact on EOL care is crucial. Modifications to ED layout and design may be challenging; however, improvements to space, layout, and privacy need to be considered when planning new emergency departments or remodeling existing departments. Further research is required to determine the impact of ED design on EOL care.

Families' experiences of grief and bereavement in the emergency department: A scoping review

“…Families experience a lack of privacy due to the ED's structure, which is designed with lifesaving as its primary focus, and the family needs to have their first moments after their loss in a private and quiet place, where they can freely express themselves and share their grief with their loved ones (Berbís‐Morelló et al, 2019). The poor design of the ED structure has been a challenge, as issues related to limited space, poor layout and design, and lack of privacy are major obstacles in caring for dying patients and their families (Beckstrand et al, 2019). Emergency nurses must also consider the impact of the ED design on families.…”

Development and Preliminary Psychometric Testing of the Drake Atrial Electrogram Assessment Survey: DAEGAS

“…The survey packet, containing a cover letter, the Demographic Data Sheet, the DAEGAS (v2), and a self-addressed stamped return envelope, was given to each potential participant. The paper-and-pencil format was selected because authors of several studies reported higher rates of return for mailed surveys (26%-40%) 15,16 than electronic surveys (<2%). 17,18 Two weeks after receiving the completed test, a retest study packet, containing a cover letter that explained the retest phase of the study, the DAEGAS (v2), and another self-addressed, stamped return envelope, was mailed to the participants.…”

Can We Use Design Approaches to Increase Comfort and Reduce Suffering at End-of-Life: A Focused Literature Review

“…However, hospitals are currently not designed well for end-oflife. Within the hospital environment, there are two major areas where death most occurs: palliative care wards and emergency departments (Beckstrand et al, 2018). Some of the key issues that arise within these environments related to endof-life are related to lack of privacy and lack of space.…”

“…They mostly provide single rooms for patients rather than ward rooms with curtain dividers, and are designed to encourage a comfort approach to care rather than a curative approach. However, it is not uncommon for them to lack sufficient space for families to be with their loved ones, and during the bereavement process there may be no area for families to grieve outside this room (Reyniers et al, 2014;Beckstrand et al, 2018).…”