One thing we have learned from working with medical practitioners over the years is that the patient experience is the number one priority.  Because patients are becoming more discerning when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider, amenities for patients such as spa-like waiting rooms, private accommodations, upscale interior design, and cutting-edge technology have become more common. These things help increase patients’ well-being by reducing stress and create a more positive perception of the medical practice. Some examples of helpful features are check-in kiosks, which help to eliminate lines at reception, and biophilic design elements that make spaces feel more calm and appealing.

The first step of a medical office remodel or new build is to ensure the practice has a clear vision about what it wants and needs from a new space, using their past experience of what has and hasn’t worked. Next, the team, owner, or project manager will decide on the physical layout, color palettes, selecting furniture, budget, etc. Different types of practices will use design in unique ways to reflect their type of business and clientele– a pediatrics office, for example, would look different than a plastic surgery center.  Regardless, all medical facilities will want to design to make the environment feel clean, safe, and healing. Here is some inspiration for using design to help  patients, staff, and other visitors have a positive experience in a medical office.

Benefits of Aligning Medical Office Layout & Design with Function

We covered dental offices in another post, but many of the same design principles and advantages apply in this scenario.

Make a Great First Impression

The waiting area is the first chance to make a good impression– as soon as visitors walk in they will take in the ambiance and form an opinion about the brand.

Improve Patient Flow & Staff Efficiency

Multiple waiting rooms, consultation rooms, and dedicated registration rooms could be good solutions that will improve patient flow and may make visitors feel like they moving through the office in a timely manner. Dedicated prep. rooms, surgical & treatment rooms, and recovery rooms can positively impact the flow of patients and employees. Many physicians no longer have a dedicated office, since they now touch base with staff in a centrally placed nurses station.  The lab, on the other hand should have a door and be tucked in an inconspicuous place. Lastly, industrial-grade cabinets and surfaces should that look great and can stand up to to sterilization and other abuse should be selected. While many medical professionals design spaces to conceal equipment that may be anxiety-inducing, it is also common to showcase cool technology with a glass wall.

1. Design Around Modern Technology

• Digital Kiosks
• Telemedicine
• Virtual Reality
• Mobile Computer Workstations
• Charging Stations

2. Create Adaptable Spaces

• Prefabricated Partitions
• Shell Spaces
• Centralized Workstations
• Modular Rail Storage Systems

3. Use Materials that Protect Against the Spread of Infection

• Copper
• Photoactive Pigments
• Indigo Lighting

4. Implement Biophilic Interior Design

• Natural Light
• Views of Nature
• Earth-colored tones
• Vegetation

Don’t Forget

1. Keep it current and consistent.  Example: having old furniture next to cutting-edge equipment may cause an incompatible look.

2. Waiting Room: placing chairs too close together can create discomfort for patients.  Bright lighting may cause stress.

3. Exam Rooms: soothing textures and colors can put patients at ease.