Patients spend anywhere up to over an hour in a doctor waiting room. It’s a long time for a sick patient to sit around, so that’s why it’s important to make the waiting room as comfortable as possible.
We all want patients to feel welcomed and at ease when they walk through the doors.
To make sure that your waiting room feels inviting, keep reading. We’ll go through several ways to change your waiting room into one that’s both warm and comforting.
Include Plenty of Comfortable Furniture
The first step is to take a good look at the furniture you offer to your patients. Are they comfortable enough for an ill person to sit for an extended period? Are there enough seats for even the busiest of days?
These are all things to keep in mind whenever you start planning out your waiting room lounge.
Create an Open Layout
You’ll want to find a balance between having enough seats while still maintaining an open layout. This kind of openness feels far more inviting than one that’s crowded together.
Make sure there’s enough space in your layout for people of all shapes and sizes. Every patient should be able to move around without bumping into furniture or other patients.
Provide Distractions
No one wants to force groups of ill people to sit around with nothing to do. It’s important to bring in various distractions and luxuries that’ll go a long way towards making patients feel at home.
Soft music, books and magazines, free coffee or tea, and little snacks are great ways to bring in a sense of comfort. These distractions help make the waiting time pass by faster as well.
Skip Harsh Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting has a sharp white edge to it, making the energy of the room feel harsh and sterile. It’s hard for anyone to feel comfortable with this kind of lighting, especially if that person is sick.
Instead, use lamps that give off a soft yellow glow. Yellow is a welcoming and happy colour that is easy on the eyes. Even if you need the fluorescent light for hallways, try to incorporate yellow lights in the waiting room area.
Bring in Amicable Staff
Greeting everyone with a warm smile puts even the grumpiest of patients at ease. It’s a good idea to train your waiting room staff in the ways of hospitality. This way, no matter the situation, they’ll keep patients feeling comforted and relaxed.
Add Some Greenery
A couple of potted plants placed throughout the waiting room is a great way to bring the outdoors inside. Plants make any room feel more inviting as they help connect us to nature while we’re stuck indoors.
Even a couple of plants are enough to change the entire atmosphere of your waiting room lounge.
Turn Your Doctor Waiting Room Into a Luxury
With a little refitting, your doctor waiting room will forever make your patients feel relaxed. They’ll have a more comfortable experience as they wait to be seen by the doctor.
It’ll make a huge difference for patients and staff alike.
Looking for advice or guidance? Contact us today and we’ll help you get started!