Emergency Department Designs to Promote Safety

Hospitals are at risk for safety issues involving patients and employees. Emergency rooms (ERs) are particularly vulnerable due to the high volume and pace of patient activity that takes place.

Patient Identification

• Patient safety can be compromised through incorrect identification which leads to medication errors and even procedures being performed on the wrong patient. Hospitals have started using computerized identification programs that read a barcode on the patient's ID bracelet to reduce these errors.

Fall Prevention

• Emergency departments reduce the risk of patient and employee falls by installing handrails and keeping walkways free of clutter. Environmental hazards such as wet floors are clearly marked with signs. Bathroom facilities are handicapped accessible.

Disease Exposure

• Infectious diseases are sometimes acquired in the hospital but there are several steps that can reduce this occurrence. Proper handwashing defends against the spread of disease in the emergency room. Universal precautions including the use of gloves, gowns, masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) by employees reduces the chance of disease transmission from one patient to another or to the employee.