Winning the
Waiting (Room)
GAME
BY STEVE BARRETT
TA K E THE EDG E OFF for patients with
design choices that promote health and com-
fort, urges Nicole Groshek, Social Media and
Content Coordinator for Milwaukee-based
National Business Furniture.
Mix it up. Incorporate bariatric seating,
chairs with arms and some without, and sofas
or love seats for sharing. Select well-padded
seating that is durable and easy to clean.
Go with the right flow. Spacious, easily
navigated walkways foster safety and minimize
feelings of confinement. Ditto for furniture
placement that allows for a bit of elbow room.
Keep things simple. Make sure patients
can readily spot the correct paths both to the
reception desk and to exam rooms.
Take it easy. Soft grays, browns and
greens make the decor more homelike. (A
caveat: Go bold and bright in pediatric offices.)
Get modern. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi
help patients pass the time and boost comfort.
Lighten up. Opt for natural light if you
ca n. A lternatively, bright, sof t lighting
promotes a serene atmosphere, and warm,
low light creates a feeling of home. Ditch
the fluorescents.
"A well-designed doctor's office waiting
room should make patients and their families
feel comfortable and more at ease, given the
nervous and frightened feelings many get
simply from being in a healthcare facility,"
Groshek writes.
n
A CERTAIN GLOOM ATTACHES
TO WAITING ROOMS. THE
CHEERLESSNESS CAN
BE COMPOUNDED WHEN
IT'S A MEDICAL OFFICE
WAITING ROOM.
DAVIS
SANTOS
M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S S A N A N T O N I O
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