Increasing interactions in healthcare teams through architectural interventions and interpersonal communication analysis

This study assessed the effect of interventions to existing architectural space to remove environmental distractions, improve communication processes, and promote team effectiveness. The goal of this research is to define a framework that optimizes the development and delivery of care in patients with complex and chronic health conditions by improving communication among members of an interdisciplinary care team. The unit of analysis was an inpatient interdisciplinary care team in a specialized unit at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). Sociometric badges were worn by team members during pre-rounds and rounds. The sociometric badges collect data using tools such as microphone, accelerometer, Bluetooth, and RFID. Experiment data were also collected through participant observation, photos, videos, and formatted surveys. Fewer external interruptions during rounds were correlated to an increase in dialog and to a less hierarchical communication pattern. Team members who interacted more with others were able to make a better use of the working space, moving more within its boundaries. This study provided empirical evidence that clearly marked rounding spaces outside of each room act as effective visual indicators, resulting in noticeably more compact and consistent team interaction.