Publication Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Poster
Primary Faculty (Chairperson)
Dr. Brenda Senger
Secondary Faculty
Dr. Denise Ogorek
Abstract
Background
Island Hospital, a 43-bed Level III Trauma and Stroke Center in rural northwest Washington, manages over 170 annual helicopter EMS landings from Airlift Northwest, Life Flight, and the U.S. Navy. Serving as a critical hub, it provides essential care for the San Juan Islands and surrounding Salish Sea communities.
Purpose
The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of relocating the helipad from the parking lot to the roof of the inpatient building on patient time to treat, safety, and staff workflow satisfaction. The previous helipad was located 360 feet opposite the ED entrance, while the new helipad is approximately 40 feet (with an elevator ride) above on the rooftop.
Methods
The design was a program evaluation and policy creation scholarly project, utilizing the CDC Program Evaluation Model. Information was collected from the stakeholders to inform a new workplace policy, evaluate staff workflows and unit design, and share lessons learned. Qualitative and quantitative data was gathered from safety data, satisfaction surveys, and retrospect chart reviews.
Results/Findings
Variable analysis included descriptive statistics and two sample t-tests using pre- and post-relocation data. The mean prerelocation time to treat was 6.5 minutes, with post-relocation taking an average of 5 minutes. This 1.5-minute difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). Due to limited safety data a comparison was not conducted. Staff satisfaction surveys supported the new location’s workflow.
Conclusions
Similar to other environmental care considerations, the strategic placement of a hospital helipad is crucial to optimizing staff workflow, satisfaction, safety, and overall patient care.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Hammer, Jamie M., "Evaluating the Relocation of a Rural Hospital’s Helipad" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice. 7.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/nursing_dnp/7
Research Paper