Keywords
end of life, emergency department, design, emergency nurses, obstacles
Abstract
Introduction: Although death is common in emergency departments, there is limited research regarding ED design as an obstacle to end-of-life care. This study identifies emergency nurses’ recommendations regarding ways designs have negative or positive impact on care for dying patients and their families.
Methods: A 25-item questionnaire was sent to a national random sample of 500 emergency nurses. Inclusion criteria were nurses who could read English, worked in emergency departments, and had cared for at least 1 patient at the end of life (EOL). Responses were individually reviewed and coded.
Results: Major obstacles included (1) issues related to limited space, (2) poor department layout and design, and (3) lack of privacy. Despite emergency departments being a challenging place to provide EOL care, positive ED design characteristics had impact on EOL care.
Discussion: 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.
Original Publication Citation
Beckstrand, R. L., Corbett, E. M.**, Macintosh, J. L., Luthy, K. E. B., & Rasmussen, R. J. (2019). Emergency nurses’ department design recommendations for improved end-of-life care. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 45(3), 286-294.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Beckstrand, Renea L.; Corbett, Elise M.; Macintosh, Janelle L. B.; Luthy, Karlen E. (Beth); and Rasmussen, Ryan J., "Emergency Nurses’ Department Design Recommendations for Improved End-of-Life Care" (2018). Faculty Publications. 5210.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5210
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2018-07-13
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7944
Publisher
Journal of Emergency Nursing
Language
English
College
Nursing
Copyright Status
Copyright © 2018 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/