Work system design - environmental issues
The design of physical spaces has been shown to play an important role
in work efficiency and safety, as well as staff satisfaction in industry
and business, including in healthcare environments. Our observations
revealed constraints on safety induced by the local physical environment
in the OxCRF. Whilst some were amenable to rapid change (e.g.
repositioning a clock or a bed for ease of use/access) others would
require more time and resource to rectify (e.g. electronic door
controls). These findings suggest that, whilst clearly necessitating
local appraisal and tailored solutions, the interaction between
individuals (both staff and participants) and their environment should
not be ignored whether persistent (e.g. the need for appropriate
overnight rest areas for staff) or temporary (e.g. as here, groundwork
transiently preventing emergency access). Of note, the COV-CHIM study
was the first to employ the redeveloped OxCRF and this may have
influenced some of our findings.