Do Patients Love Your Waiting Room?
by Valerie Glander
Your waiting room is the first impression your patients receive. This impression tells them about how your practice is run and what to expect. Not only that, but healthcare surveys show that many say their time in the waiting room is the most frustrating part of visiting a doctor. Lobbies and other transitional spaces offer a significant opportunity to improve patient experience and distinguish your practice from the competition.
Providing more choice and supporting a range of activities helps to make the wait time seem shorter. For families, offering lounge seating or a child-friendly corner to keep kids entertained can be important features. Offering quiet work space for busy professionals with tables or counters and easy access to power helps to alleviate stress and show you value your patients’ time.
Key Factors to Consider
There are several best practices in waiting room design. From planning the space to selecting the right furniture, there are several key factors to consider.
Ergonomics and accessibility are critical to patient comfort in all healthcare practices. Patients with mobility issues may require armrests for ease of entry and egress. Best practice recommends including seating to accommodate a variety of postures – firm chairs with armrests, bariatric chairs and lounge seating, but this mix will vary by practice type.
Cleaning and durability of furniture selections are also important factors for protecting your investment. Healthcare specific furniture often includes features such as antimicrobial finishes, replaceable parts and inner steel construction (up to 1,000 lb. weight limits).
Lastly, pay close attention to what your lobby space is communicating to your patients. The style, material and color of your space should reflect your brand. Do you want to be known for your cutting-edge technology and equipment? Your furniture and interior design might consider modern furniture and more bold color statements. If your practice providing holistic care and natural medicine? Perhaps your space needs neutral colors and soft curves.
What’s Next for Healthcare Lobbies?
New Restrictions due to COVID-19 are changing that landscape in waiting rooms a little bit –screening stations have been added to many waiting rooms and contactless options are increasing. Many healthcare facilities are forced to rethink rows of waiting room chairs to meet six-foot spacing requirements.
As COVID adaptations become everyday procedures, rethinking lobby spaces has many benefits to healthcare practices. Best practices in lobby design support COVID strategies through creating more personal space, options and adaptability.
The OEX Interior Designers can help you create space that is both purposeful for your patients and practical for your staff. Call us to plan your next project!
