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Table 1 Nurse Station Work Design Features by Priority (N = 34)

From: Development and validation of a Nurse Station Ergonomics Assessment (NSEA) tool

Nurses’ Important Work Design Features

Nurses’ ratings

Frequency / Percent

Nurse stations should be located at the centre of the ward, and not next to the entrance

32 / 94%

There should be enough space for nurses’ and physicians’ equipment and tools

30 / 88%

Nurse stations should allow direct observation of all patients

29 / 85%

Nurse stations must have at least two entrances, each with doors to prevent unauthorized access

27 / 79%

Nurse stations should have dedicated space for meetings

23 / 68%

The layout of desks and equipment such as emergency trolley and nurse call systems should permit easy access

20 / 59%

The ward entrance and exit should be visible from the nurse station

19 / 56%

Nurse stations should have fully adjustable chairs with strong legs

19 / 56%

Nurse stations should have clear access to the drug store

16 / 47%

Nurse stations should have good ventilation

14 / 41%

Nurses form and size should not be prescribed, but bespoke, according to the layout of beds

13 / 38%

The counter should have adjustable heights to allow for standing and sitting

13 / 38%

A chart processing area should be located in a quiet part of the nurse station

12 / 35%

The nurse station counter must have a toughened glass screen for nurses’ safety

12 / 35%

The counter depth should all medical records to be opened up

12 / 35%

There must be a handwash basin

8 / 24%

The nurse station counter area should have drawers for storage

8 / 24%

Nurse stations should have a charting desk

8 / 24%

The floor finish should prevent slipping

8 / 24%

Nurse stations should have a window

7 / 21%

Work surfaces should not have sharp edges

7 / 21%

All wires and cables in a nurse station should be placed in a duct

6 / 18%

There should be a sufficient number of computer desks with space for monitor and keyboard for the number of nurses working

5 / 15%

Nurse stations should have variable lighting according to the work

5 / 15%

Colours in addition to white should be used

5 / 15%

Shelves for forms and files should be designed under the counter

4 / 12%

The trolley of patient files should be next to the charting desk

4 / 12%

Flowers and plants should be used around the nurse station

2 / 6%