The Impact of Facility Design on Patient Safety — Reiling 2008

The article "The Influence of Facility Design on Patient Safety" looks at how the physical environment affects patient safety in medical institutions. The writers examine the crucial elements that affect patient safety, such as the design of the structure, the application of technology, and the function of staff in overseeing patient care. The essay underlines how crucial it is to incorporate elements like hand hygiene stations, medicine dispensing systems, and patient monitoring equipment when constructing healthcare facilities with patient safety in mind. The authors also stress the importance of staff collaboration and communication in fostering patient safety. The use of color-coded signage to decrease medication errors and the implementation of designated medication rooms to reduce distractions during the medication administration process are just a couple of the numerous examples of successful facility design initiatives that have improved patient safety outcomes that are provided. Ultimately, this article emphasizes how vitally important facility design is to fostering patient safety in medical environments. Healthcare organizations can improve patient safety outcomes and the standard of care by adopting best practices and adopting a proactive approach to facility design.

Reiling J, Hughes RG, Murphy MR. The Impact of Facility Design on Patient Safety. In: Hughes RG, editor. Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2008 Apr.