Medical facility design affects your patients on a daily basis while they are in the waiting room and can have an important impact on their emotions and feelings. The design you choose can make the difference between being a happy patient who is satisfied with their care, and someone who is constantly upset, nervous or even angry. The emotions of patients can be greatly impacted by the environment they are kept in. The design of a medical facility can either create a positive experience for the patient, or a negative one where they feel unwanted, uninvited and unsafe.
There are many factors to consider when considering medical facility design. These factors include access to parking, patient flow, comfort level, physical facilities, lighting, signage, emergency procedures, flooring, restrooms and the entire layout of the hospital or health center. Each of these areas can affect the emotional well-being and comfort of the patient. Patients are not happy if they do not feel at ease, nor will they likely return to the facility if they are happy. In order to create the best experience possible, each factor must be balanced in a medical facility.
The patient flow within a medical facility is extremely important. This process begins with the receptionist at the front desk. The way that she speaks, her greeting, welcoming actions and expressions can have an immediate impact on the patient. Thus, the entire medical facility should use color psychology in their overall design. Color psychology involves using colors to evoke certain feelings, moods, behaviors and reactions.
The color of the walls and office furniture can affect the mood and emotions in patients. Most medical professionals agree that natural light helps to relax and take the mind off stressors. Many doctors recommend natural office design and color psychology techniques to make their work environment more comfortable and inviting. Achieving this goal makes the environment more conducive for medical professionals to provide high quality care.
Another way that medical facilities can enhance their overall comfort level and productivity is through the use of natural lighting. A well-lit office space promotes a sense of calm and security. Patients and doctors both find it comforting to know that things are well lit and that there are no safety hazards or shadows blocking the windows. Natural light also encourages restful sleep, which improves alertness and productivity throughout the day. Properly implemented office design and color psychology can go a long way toward ensuring that each medical facility is able to provide a calming, enjoyable environment for patients and doctors alike.
Color psychology and design are not the only things that medical facilities can improve. They can also strive to make their locations easy on the eyes and user-friendly. The layout of waiting areas and hallways should be efficient while still being aesthetically pleasing. Too many times medical facilities neglect this aspect. While the general concept of ease of viewing may not apply to patient flow or hallways, it is important to consider the visual appeal of the entire space. The proper use of contrasting colors, such as red or orange, can help to break up long lines and provide for an environment that is more pleasant than a drab gray.