Using a mixed methods approach to explore how operating room (OR) design can support and enhance the wellbeing of surgical teams during healthcare delivery, the Mayo Clinic study analysed patient flow, room organisation, and the needs of surgical teams to optimise OR design for functional efficiency and improve overall mental health.

Dr Renaldo Blocker, PhD, a human-factors engineering researcher and senior author of the study, commented: “We want to ultimately understand how we can be proactive in designing spaces that are conducive to resilient performance and supportive of the team’s wellbeing, especially during extenuating or catastrophic events, so that teams can effectively adopt and continue to perform at their maximum level.”

A summary article posted on the Mayo Clinic’s website explains how researchers conducted five focus groups with surgeons, anaesthesia providers and allied health staff from three operating rooms at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York. The groups answered surveys and performed functional scenario analysis – where real-world scenarios are analysed to assess how surgical teams interact with their environment. They also viewed 3D models of the existing operating rooms.

Surgical teams were questioned on whether the layout of the entire OR area supported the team’s wellbeing and which aspects can cause environmental stress. Elements highlighted as key stressors were noisy environments, disorganised patient flow, poor lighting, and poor room organisation, plus a lack of suitable facilities, medical equipment, and support staff.

To address the stressor of disorganised patient flow, the researchers suggest design improvements, such as including wider doorways and corridors to allow for easier manoeuvring of patient beds.

Seemingly small details can also make a big difference. The distance to break rooms and lockers, for example, can significantly affect how surgeons, nurses and other staff feel during a critical shift.

According to Dr Blocker, the integration of 3D space capture of the OR helped trigger participants’ memories, so they could compare layouts more easily and suggest design improvements. The researchers found that all three operating rooms could be improved by placing equipment and supplies closer to key areas, such as patient prep and recovery, and by enhancing natural light and device screen visibility.

Patient flow, room organisation, and the needs of surgical teams are considered key factors in creating operating rooms that reduce staff burnout, the researchers conclude, leading to a more positive work environment and improved patient outcomes.

“We want our methodology to be agile, where we can capture data, conduct analysis, and provide impactful and insightful design recommendations swiftly,” said Dr Blocker. “We want to reduce the notion that this type of design research will take forever; our methodology can be done concisely with a relatively quick turnaround.”

This study was the result of a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and the Facilities and Support Services Department, as well as experts from other US and international organisations.