The ‘Smart Bay’ Optimizing Trauma Care of the Future

Abstract

Renowned as one of the most variable frontline environments in all of healthcare the Resuscitation bay is a ripe arena to be conceptualized for the future through a human-centered design lens. Resuscitation bays in hospital emergency departments today are poorly suited for work that requires speed, accuracy, and access to both patient and equipment. Necessary supplies are stored beyond the average reach range, and with no specific organization, cords prevent 360 degree access to the patient and critical equipment goes missing. Over the course of 5 weeks researchers conducted more than 150 hours of contextual observation to determine usability barriers looking not only at physical ergonomics but also cognitive and organization ergonomics with a goal to provide solutions to better optimize this environment for work. The result is the ‘Smart Bay’ of the future, a fully re-imagined and ergonomic (human factors compliant) environment allowing for expedient care in this critical environment.