The Correlation Between Visibility and Medical Staff Collaborative Communication in Emergency Departments

Abstract

Objectives: This study empirically investigates the correlation between visibility and nurses and physicians’ collaborative communication in emergency departments (EDs). The researchers hypothesized that higher visibility levels in EDs are associated with higher collaborative communication among nurses and physicians. Background: The review of related literature addresses the role of communication in EDs, and more specifically, how visibility has been found to affect nurse and physician behavior in healthcare facilities. Method: The visibility levels in four EDs within the same hospital system were quantitatively measured in this study. Also, the communication levels among medical staff were explored by two methods. Data collection included computerized floor plan analyses, observations, and surveys. Results: The researchers found statistically significant relationships between several underlying dimensions of ED visibility and collaborative communication among the medical staff members. Conclusion: Understanding the role of visibility provides a critical design principle for future EDs. The enhancement of ED design helps nurses and physicians to benefit from supportive environments.