Redesigning the neurocritical care unit to enhance family participation and improve outcomes

Abstract

Emory University Hospital recently converted its neurocritical care unit into an environment that enhances involvement of the patient's family. Each patient room now has an adjacent family area with comfortable accommodations for daytime and nighttime use. The new unit design, which drew from evidence on the impact of the physical environment on patient outcomes, facilitates better interactions between families and the medical team, and early studies show that patient satisfaction and staff satisfaction have increased. This article describes the impetus for and process of the unit redesign, as well as initial results and lessons learned. © 2013 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.