Exam Room Redesign

In spite of the transformation of medical practice over the course of the 20th century, the basic doctor-patient visit had changed little since World War II. The exam room still typically consisted of an examining table for the patient, various devices for measuring vital signs, a rolling stool for the provider, and a side chair for the accompanying family member.

One of the first projects undertaken by the SPARC lab was to study the use of the doctor-patient meeting space. The outpatient laboratory did extensive research on the use of the exam room, and they redesigned the room for consultations that did not require a physical examination. They also tested and designed new forms to be given to patients that summarized the tests, diagnosis and next steps in the treatment plan.

In a randomized trial the CFI found that patients who used the redesigned consultation room and summary visit form better retained information about their health records and test results.