An evidence-based approach was used to create the ultimate patient and staff experience, as well as improve operational efficiency and flows (people, equipment, and instruments) in the newly built and occupied Emory Executive Park Musculoskeletal (EMSK) Institute. In collaboration with HKS and the Center for Health Facilities Design and Testing at Clemson University, a Functional Performance Evaluation of the clinics and surgical suite at EMSK was conducted to understand whether the facility performs as originally intended. A 4-day site visit was conducted to collect extensive observational data through guided tours of each department, shadowing of key clinical personnel, flow mapping, photo essays, and semi-structured interviews with staff. In addition, data from staff surveys was obtained. Findings from the Functional Performance Evaluation suggest that the size and location of key spaces within the clinic help to support increased efficiency and optimized flow of patients and staff, as well as an enhanced patient and staff experience. Wayfinding and staff safety were identified as opportunities for improvement. Within the surgical suite, the operating rooms were found to support increased efficiency and optimized flow, as well as substantially minimize flow disruptions within the anesthesia work zone and supply area as compared to precedent projects. Additionally, opportunities for improvement were identified for sterile processing and visual communication strategies. In this session participants will hear about the importance of conducting evaluations post-occupancy and learn about different methods for conducting occupancy evaluations. Participants will also get to hear about the successes and lessons learned from the evaluation and how those insights are being used to support continuing quality improvement initiatives within the organization
and inform the design and development of future capital projects. Frameworks for conducting occupancy evaluations will also be discussed.
Core Competencies: Strategic Planning; Space Planning and Programming; Design; A-E Selection Process; Construction Management
AIA Course Number: 2024.04.012
AIA CEU = 1 LU