Building a Better Operating Room

Researching OR Design

If you're planning to build a new operating room, it's essential to conduct thorough research and gather information from existing facilities. Here are some key areas to explore:

• Visit other operating rooms: Observe the layout, equipment, and workflow in similar facilities. Talk to staff members about their experiences and identify any areas for improvement.
• Consult with experts: Seek advice from architects, engineers, and healthcare professionals who specialize in operating room design.
• Review industry standards and guidelines: Research established standards and best practices for operating room design.
• Analyze your facility's needs: Consider factors such as the types of surgeries performed, the volume of patients, and any specific requirements or preferences.

If you have an existing operating room, take the opportunity to assess its current performance. Identify any bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or safety concerns that may be hindering the workflow or impacting patient care. This information will be invaluable in designing a new space that addresses these issues and improves overall efficiency.

By conducting thorough research and evaluating your current operating room, you can gain valuable insights and ensure that your new operating room is designed to meet the needs of your facility and patients.

Setting Goals for Your New Space

To effectively design your new operating room, clearly define its specific needs and goals. Consider factors such as the types of surgical procedures or specialties it will accommodate, whether you plan to incorporate advanced technology like imaging equipment or robotic systems, the anticipated daily surgical volume, and how the room should be designed to accommodate future growth or changes in surgical practices.

Key Design Considerations

1. Room Size and Layout:
   
   • Minimum requirements: The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) recommends a minimum size of 400 square feet for inpatient operating rooms.
   • Specialty rooms: Rooms for orthopedic, cardiac, or neurological procedures may require larger spaces.
   • Equipment: Consider the size and placement of surgical equipment, anesthesia machines, monitoring systems, and other necessary tools.
   • Workflow: Design the layout to optimize the flow of patients, staff, and equipment.
2. Supporting Systems:
   
   • Medical gases: Ensure adequate supply and distribution of medical gases.
   • Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting levels for surgical procedures.
   • Ventilation: Maintain a clean and sterile environment with proper ventilation.
   • Electrical systems: Install reliable power sources to support medical equipment.
   • Data and communication: Provide necessary network infrastructure for data and communication systems.
3. Ancillary Spaces:
   • Sterile processing: Design a separate sterile processing room to ensure a clean and efficient workflow.
   • Changing rooms: Provide adequate changing facilities for staff.
   • Storage: Allocate sufficient storage space for equipment, supplies, and medications.
4. Safety and Infection Prevention: 
   • Antimicrobial surfaces: Use materials that resist the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
   • Hand hygiene: Provide adequate hand hygiene facilities.
   • Waste management: Implement proper procedures for handling and disposing of medical waste.
5. Sustainability:
   • Reduce energy consumption: Implement airflow setbacks, optimize HVAC systems, and use energy-efficient equipment.
   • Minimize waste: Use sustainable materials, reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and properly manage medical waste.
   • Conserve water: Implement water-saving measures in areas such as sterilizers and cooling systems.

Patient Comfort and Experience

Beyond the technical requirements, creating a comfortable and supportive environment is crucial for enhancing the patient experience. To minimize noise levels, incorporate sound-absorbing materials and strategically design the layout. Ensure patient privacy throughout procedures and recovery. Consider offering amenities like comfortable beds, televisions, and access to natural light to create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, create designated areas for family members to wait comfortably, fostering a sense of support during the patient's experience.

Current Trends in Operating Room Design

• Hybrid operating rooms: Versatile spaces that can accommodate a wide range of procedures, including those requiring advanced imaging technology.
• Patient-centered design: Focus on creating a comfortable and supportive environment for patients.
• Sustainability: Incorporating green practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Flexibility: Designing rooms that can adapt to future changes and technological advancements.
• Safety and infection prevention: Implementing rigorous measures to protect patients and staff from infections.

Conclusion

A well-designed operating room is essential for providing high-quality patient care and efficient surgical procedures. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this article, healthcare facilities can create spaces that meet the needs of both staff and patients for many years to come.

Avante Health Solutions has been a trusted partner in facility planning and equipment solutions for more than 40 years. Schedule a consultation to discover how we can help you build the perfect OR for your facility.

References:

Xiaobo Quan, PhD, EDAC, School of Architecture & Design, University of Kansas: Can Operating Room Design Make Orthopedic Surgeries Shorter, Safer, and More Efficient?: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI): 2022 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA): Perioperative and Operating Room Design and Management