5 Things to Remember When Designing a Medical Waiting Room
Hospitals, doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, and even veterinarians all have one thing in common: waiting rooms. Needless to say, many individuals do not find the experience of anxiously anticipating something to happen at all pleasant. With this in mind, some medical specialists with their own private practice try to create a space where people can relax before their appointment.
If you are in charge of designing the layout for a holding area for patients, then understanding that medical patients have a different set of requirements to regular business clients is critical. There are five main key points to remember, and carefully planning through each will ensure that patients have a comfortable, relaxing wait.
- Entrance, Exit, and Traffic
Patients at a medical practice are usually there because they do not feel well. It is, therefore, crucial to quickly put them at ease, and the blueprint of your office plans is a significant, contributing factor. Stepping into a reception area with no idea where to walk, sit, or move is frustrating, and it is not likely that they will make an appointment again. Arrange the room in such a way that traffic automatically flows in and out of the room without much guidance.
- Colour Scheme
Colour has a powerful impact on mood. While many medical institutions prefer crisp, white walls and cold, steel furniture, these might make patients more nervous before their consultation. Softer colours, such as neutral greens, blues, and hues of brown are more inviting and homely, which creates a warm atmosphere.
- Furniture Arrangement
Think about the kind of reception desk and tables you will include in your waiting room. A receptionist hidden behind an oversized reception desk may feel impersonal and detached. As far as possible, use furniture made from a material that is softer to the eye, such as wood.
- Décor and Details
If you are trying to create a familiar, welcoming atmosphere, then you need to think about the details. While patients wait, you could lay out a few books and magazines on a coffee table. You may want to think about a separate corner for children to play with toys, build puzzles, or colour. Paintings, signs, music, or even a television are all ways to help calm the patients that step through the door.
- Type of Seating
Possibly one of the most essential characteristics of a waiting room is an area for people to sit. Waiting room seats are vital, as it is here where every patient will spend a portion of their medical consultation. Apart from comfort, waiting room seating needs to be easily accessed by people of all sizes and mobility. No matter their age or body type, the area’s accommodation needs to be pleasant to sit on.
At Khanda Seating, our decades of experience in the fixed seating industry shows in how well each of our products is designed, as well as our ability to take something as stressful as a waiting area and turn it into an enjoyable experience. If you would like to find out more about our products and services available, feel free to fill out an online contact form or email us at info@khandaseating.co.za.
