Simulating Evolutions in Emergency Department Design: Three Case Studies

Authors:​ Omri Kenneth Webb IV, AIA, ACHA; Sheila Ruder, AIA, ACHA; David Klahn; Kate Renner, AIA

Simulation can accurately show the quality of interactions between processes and people and provides a depth of insight and accuracy into the validation of results during the early design process. Future-state designs can predict responses to changing factors and justify design decisions. Simulation ensures that estimated savings are realistic, reveals additional savings, and quantifies the implications of decisions on the customer/patient experience. In Emergency Department (ED) design, simulations help to solve many of the challenges within these complex environments during the design phase. These 3 case studies of ED expansion and renovation took unique approaches to simulation:  Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center ED, WellSpan York Hospital ED and Christiana Care Health System ED.