Decentralized nursing units may hurt collaboration

Decentralized nursing unit put nurses closer to the patients and can eliminate visibility issues


A recent study has suggested that decentralized nursing units, designed to put nurses closer to the patients and can eliminate visibility issues, can hurt collaboration, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

Research by the Institute for Health + Wellness Design at the University of Kansas (KU) School of Architecture, Design & Planning is looking at how hospital units are actually was running and if decentralized stations being used as anticipated.

Study authors have hypothesized that although decentralized units place nurses closer to patients, they may unintentionally isolate them from other staff, making it harder for nurses to get questions answered and delaying care as a result, the article said. 

“One of the comments I’ve heard during interviews with the nurses is that ‘we’re human. We’re not machines,’” one researcher sais in the article. “They need that human contact. They need to talk with their peers, even if it’s just to vent. It’s necessary for a better working experience.”

Read the article.

 

 



February 17, 2017


Topic Area: Architecture


Recent Posts

Biofilm 'Life Raft' Changes C. Auris Risk

Microscopic survival structure protects fungal pathogen from disinfectants and help it survive for long periods.


How Healthcare Restrooms Are Rethinking Water Efficiency

Manufacturers discuss strategies, technologies and design approaches that help healthcare facilities meet their sustainability goals.


Northwell Health Finds Energy Savings in Steam Systems

Case study: A proactive steam trap maintenance program is delivering millions in savings, fast payback and measurable carbon reductions across one of the nation’s largest health systems.


The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Cleaning methods and products have various purposes in reducing the spread of germs.


Jupiter Medical Center Falls Victim to Third-Party Data Breach

The third party has determined through an investigation that, at least as early as January 22, 2025, an unauthorized third party gained access to personal health information on legacy systems.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.