MDNews - Mid Hudson

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ OFFICE DESIGN SPOTLIGHT +++ +++ Offi ce The Importance of Design An Eye for Detail "Oftentimes, patients are already FOR MOST PHYSICIANS, PATIENT CARE AND SATISFACTION ARE PRIMARY AREAS OF FOCUS. HOWEVER, AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THOSE CONSIDERATIONS IS SOMETIMES FORGOTTEN — OFFICE SPACE AESTHETICS. IF YOU 'VE NEVER GIVEN medical office design much thought or have simply chalked it up as a waste of money, you may want to reconsider. "If you walk into an office with poor lighting and worn-out furniture, it gives a negative first impression of the provider and what type of care and services the patient is about to receive," says Bruce Morrison, architect, Director of Architectural Services at EnviroMed Design Group, a firm specializing in health care office design and consultation. "You want your office to reflect the way you run your practice." 14 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS ■ MDNEWS.COM anxious, fearful or apprehensive when they arrive for a medical appointment," says Stephanie Morgan Clarke, RID, IIDA, LEED AP, Director of Interior Design and Purchasing at EnviroMed Design Group. "You want to ensure that, from the moment patients walk into your space, some of their fears can be calmed. Aesthetics can help with that." It's no secret that colors and shapes can alter an individual's mood and should be considered in your overall design. But there are other things you may not initially think of when it comes to waiting room ambience. "Many offi ces have TVs in their wait- ing rooms, which is a great distraction for patients," Clarke says. "However, you have to be extremely selective about the type of programming you're showing. While a nature channel might seem like a safe choice, if animals are attacking each other on the screen, it certainly isn't going to calm anyone down. Also, keeping advertising posters and brochures to a minimum in reception and treatment areas is recommended. Replacing these materials with calming artwork is a small change that can have a huge impact." While a well-designed office space certainly enhances a patient's experience, it's also been shown to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Offices that consider aesthetics, ergonomics and layouts enable employees to be happier, be more proud to come to work and enjoy the physical environment in which they labor. Inspecting the Latest Trends In terms of medical design, creating spaces that look more like a residence, spa or hotel and not the typical "doctor's offi ce" is the most recent trend. To achieve that look, natural stone, glass and water features are becoming more prevalent. Also, thanks to electronic medical records, "paperless" offi ces give the impression of being more environmentally conscious. So, many pro- viders are opting to incorporate more green materials and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified construction for greener buildings. "When contemplating the design of your offi ce space — whether you're looking to lease, build or simply redesign your cur- rent space — it's important to obtain the opinion of a professional," Morrison says. "Real estate agents, architects and interior designers are specially trained to look at a space, make the proper negotiations and develop superior solutions for obtaining the best results — just as a physician is trained to look at a patient and make a diagnosis for optimal outcomes." ■

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