An analysis of exam room utilization in U.S. medical schools.

Examination room utilization in U.S. academic practices has not generally included clinical space used in the teaching of medicine. The lack of planning guidelines at some medical schools for examination room space may have them operating inefficiently by as much as 50 percent or 60 percent. Not having guidelines may be causing medical schools to commit valuable resources to develop unnecessary space. A survey of 126 U.S. medical schools determined their estimated maximum annual examination room visit capacity at 40 percent to 50 percent of their EMAERVC during the study period yet planned to add examination room capacity.