Crisis Response Hospital Physical Layout Considerations during COVID-19: A Framework for Surge Preparedness, Future Investigations, and Analysis

This thesis investigates the intersection of hospital design and operational performance during health emergencies, explicitly focusing on layout modifications in emergency departments. The study is structured around four key components. First, it explores hospitals' significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic through data collected from interviews with Nebraska hospital leaders. Second, the research introduces a surge-based conceptual framework to guide hospital responses during crisis events. Developed from empirical data, the framework highlights the importance of flexible spatial planning and information-driven decision-making. Third, the study focuses on hospital physical layout considerations, identifying features that either supported or hindered Nebraska hospital operations during the pandemic. It also proposes layout considerations to enhance hospital operational efficiency when facing a surge situation. Finally, the study presents a scenario-based simulation modeling approach to evaluate the impact of physical layout modifications on emergency department performance. The findings of this study offer practical recommendations for healthcare planners, researchers, and decision-makers seeking to improve emergency preparedness and patient outcomes in healthcare facilities. Advisor: Terry L. Stentz