HERE IS HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR PATIENTS’ WAITING ROOM EXPERIENCE

We spend so much time waiting in healthcare facilities that one survey revealed 63 percent of patients find it as the most stressful aspect of going to their doctor. The stats are enough to indicate that doctors need to come up with better waiting room solutions. Luckily, improving the waiting room experience does not necessarily have to be a stressful task. You can do it by taking the following measures:

1. De-Stress Your Space

Keep your waiting area tidy and clean throughout the day. That way, you will make patients feel more comfortable, and they will be happier knowing their providers care about them. It is a good idea to get rid of conventional TV that reduces them to keep up with the mediocre as well as irrelevant content. Instead, you should install a digital waiting room digital signage that provides personalized content to your patients. From entertaining content to informative wellness videos, the waiting room digital signage enables you to display diverse content forms.

2. Earplugs

Odd as it may sound, you could utilize earplugs as one of the leading digital waiting room solutions. Earplugs are particularly helpful when there are children making loud noises, which could mentally disturb an elderly patient. Apart from that, earplugs can also come in handy to keep other outside noises at a safe distance from patients.

3. High-Speed Wi-Fi

A vast majority of patients typically carry smartphones, tablets or laptops everywhere they go. These devices are great for personal entertainment. The best thing you can do to accommodate these individuals is to provide free high-speed Wi-Fi. That way, patients will be able to connect to the internet with their respective devices without having to spend any money. Wi-Fi does not only serve entertainment purposes. When patients have access to the internet, they can connect with their loved ones and update about the latest development in their health.

4. Friendly Front Desk Personnel

it's not common for front desk staff to ignore the patients. Since patients already feel stressed in a healthcare facility, negative attitudes only worsen the scenario for them. Your staff should be trained and motivated to be polite and attentive. A solid first impression will make sure patients stay calm and composed.

5. Change The Layout

A great way to create a friendly atmosphere is to set up large waiting rooms. It is because a small area can make patients feel cramped and trapped. Moreover, a good lighting system is essential for improving the appearance of your waiting room. But that does not mean you should pepper the room with dozens of fancy lights. If anything, they will make up for the poor customer experience. Natural daylight is important because it makes people feel at ease and gives them a sense of comfort and serenity. A few flowerpots can also be utilized as potent waiting room solutions.

You can give your facility a positive and distinctive look by adding artwork. Barren walls are a major problem in hospitals. They don't hold your attention and they look oppressively sterile. Hang some peaceful pictures of animals and landscapes.

6. Optimal Room Temperature

Although the theory is to prevent bacteria from spreading, low temperatures could also hinder relaxation. It is best to maintain a temperature that is comfortable for patients and, at the same time, keeps bacteria at the safe distance.

7. Children's Play Area

No matter if you are a pediatrician or not, having a dedicated play area for children in your medical office is a great idea. You can add a puzzle table, books, and board games to the area where children are waiting. To mark the area, place a special-colored rug and arrange some chairs or couches around it for parents to sit comfortably and watch their children.

Conclusion

The first impression a patient gets can be affected by the way a waiting area looks in the healthcare facility. It takes more than just a row of plastic chairs and a TV playing the news to keep your patients entertained and comfortable during long waiting hours. These practical tips and tricks mentioned above will transform your waiting area from being a hassle into something your patients love head over heels. Your patients will be happy to walk into your clinic or hospital if you provide a relaxing environment, quiet entertainment, and comfortable seating.