There has been tremendous progress in the medical field, with many cutting-edge technologies being introduced in recent times. However often medical practices themselves are outdated, and most of them retain a clinical look, including cramped treatment rooms.
The layout of a medical practice should be spacious and welcoming while also practical so that the employees have a user-friendly and convenient workplace.
Depending on the foot traffic, the doctors working in practice and the patients who arrive on any particular day may need a large waiting room, treatment rooms, office space for your employees and space to store your supplies and medicines.
Here are a few factors that play an essential part when designing a medical practice.
Waiting Rooms
Waiting rooms are more synonymous with medical practices since a patient often spends a considerable amount time here before seeing a doctor.
You can have separate waiting rooms for adults and children, or specific areas when waiting for certain specialists.
The point is to make waiting feel as comfortable as possible which could mean adding free wifi, televisions, books or even toys to entertain the children in the meantime (pending any COVID restrictions).
Ensure that waiting room chairs are comfortable and the temperature is carefully controlled so patients can relax as much as possible.
Treatment Rooms
Treatment/exam rooms are more functional and designed such that nurses/doctors can get their job done quickly and efficiently.
The rooms are sometimes designed to be identical and mirror each other so that medical staff know exactly where to reach for their equipment and supplies.
They need to be brightly lit and have facilities like wash basins, storage cupboards and waste disposal units.
Store Rooms and Office Space
Even though they are out of sight doesn’t mean that these areas shouldn’t be considered and carefully planned.
Storerooms are where the medications, medical equipment, and other supplies are stored and may require shelving, locked cupboards.
Employees often also need a separate space to record the patient information, diagnoses, treatment plans, filing paperwork, billing and a multitude of other jobs that staff must complete during a shift.
Most of this is admin work also involved confidential information, so efforts have to be made to ensure that documents are stored securely so that access can be controlled.
Smart Use of Lighting
Replacing outdated lighting with LED gives a fresh look to the practice, and makes things easier for the doctors and nurses to do their job.
Using LED lighting in a medical practice also means cost savings and less maintenance due to a much longer lifespan, however the initial cost is typically more than that of traditional light.
Accessibility
When designing health care facilities, it is important to consider the needs of people with disabilities and other medical conditions.
One should always be mindful of the needs of those who have a disability or other chronic condition when designing anything from a bathroom to an exam room.
Simple things like wheelchair access and wide doorways make the medical practice a more human-centric space and creates a more significant impact on the patient’s well-being.
Add life to the space with artistic touches
Incorporating art, living plants, water features or indoor gardens can liven up the medical practice. This creates a more friendly space, especially in the waiting room.
If you want to make your exam room feel more welcoming, it’s important to have something personal.
Something that feels like a home away from home can be the best way to cheer up patients who are feeling less than their best.
So put some of your younger patients’ artwork up near the window and add posters about positive thinking for those days when everyone needs an extra boost!
Conclusion
A patient experience is not just about the doctors but also about finding smart ways to support them throughout the entire medical journey.
A better designed medical practice helps you to get away from the clinical nature of the occupation and instead be more welcoming and reduce anxiety.
