Learn more

A new 86,200-square-foot surgical services department expansion is underway to accommodate growing patient numbers at a major academic medical center in the Midwest. The project's overall goal is to create a facility that improves patient flows and experiences and enhances staff efficiency. It is scheduled to open in late fall 2026.

In a presentation at the annual Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) conference, Flad's Kara Freihoefer and Heather Bazille will share results from a pre-occupancy evaluation (PrOE) of the surgical services department.

A multi-method PrOE was conducted in fall 2025 to assess the design of the existing surgical services department (Pre/Post, PACU, ORs) and to establish a baseline comparison for a post-occupancy evaluation. The PrOE plan consisted of staff surveys and on-site shadowing.

An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all staff of the surgical department by the management team with questions about specific elements of the design of the unit, patient room, and collaboration zones as well as topics related to communication, flexibility and wellness. During three days of on-site staff shadowing, researchers used a time-and-motion timestamp app on a smart device with customized templates. Data gathered includes path of travel, workflow sequence, distance traveled, time spent in areas, frequency of visits to rooms, activities performed, and more.

Survey results indicate 89% of staff are satisfied with the overall design of the existing surgical services, although they noted a few areas in need of improvement.