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Appl Clin Inform 2019; 10(05): 972-980
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3401813
Research Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Provider Preference in Exam Room Layout Design and Computing

Jacob M. Read
1   Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2   Center for Ergonomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
,
Dustin T. Weiler
1   Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
3   Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
,
Tyler Satterly
1   Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
4   Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, United States
5   Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
,
Catarina Soares
1   Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
,
Jason J. Saleem
1   Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
2   Center for Ergonomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding This research was supported under grant number 1R03HS024488–01A1 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of AHRQ, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Further Information

Publication History

24 July 2019

29 October 2019

Publication Date:
25 December 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Background The introduction of the electronic health record (EHR) has had a significant impact on provider–patient interactions, particularly revolving around patient-centeredness. More research is needed to understand the provider perspective of this interaction.

Objectives Our objective was to obtain provider feedback on a new exam room design compared with the one already in use with respect to the computing layout, which included a wall-mounted monitor for ease of (re)-positioning. An additional objective was to understand elements of exam room design and computing that were highly valued.

Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 28 providers from several health care organizations. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. We used an inductive coding approach to abstract recurrent themes from the data.

Results Our analysis revealed several themes organized around exam room layout, exam room computing, and provider workflow. We report frequency of occurrence of the coded data for computer accessories, computing usefulness, computer mobility, documentation habits, form factor, layout preference, patient interaction, screen sharing, and work habits.

Conclusion Providers in our study preferred exam room design to promote flexibility, mobility, and body orientation directed toward the patient. Providers also expressed the need for exam room design to support varying work habits and preferences, including whether to share the computer screen or not.

Keywords

human–computer interaction - computer workstations - exam room design - exam room computing - patient centeredness

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

This study was reviewed and approved by the University of Louisville's Institutional Review Board (IRB), IRB study # 16.0749.


Supplementary Material

 

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