5 Medical Office Design Ideas to Improve the Patient’s Experience

Poor office design means a poor experience for your patients.  The medical office space design tips below will improve your patient customer satisfaction.

For more on medical office space, read my articles “How to Lease Medical Office Space”, “Doctor’s Guide to Finding Medical Office Space For Rent“, and “Eight Considerations for Your Medical Office Search.”

1. MEDICAL OFFICE TIP #1: Chairs Are Better Than Couches

Most Americans dislike sharing.  Having couches in the waiting room will make the scene more uncomfortable for your patients.  Chairs are more personal, and armless chairs are perfect for your handicapped or pregnant patients.

2. MEDICAL OFFICE TIP #2: Get Rid of TV

Television in the waiting room reduces boredom, but it can also add to stress.  Patients can argue over show selection, or choose programs that others consider controversial, inappropriate, or offensive.  In an age when most phones can access the internet, a waiting TV can be an unnecessary hassle for your practice.

3. MEDICAL OFFICE TIP #3: Choose Decor Carefully

Create a warm, positive environment with the office décor.  Use curtains and blinds to absorb sound, and the colors of the room to create a cheerful, patient-friendly atmosphere.  Maximize natural sunlight (while guarding patient privacy).  Fluorescent lights spread the light evenly and best for readers, while incandescent lights bring a more inviting and homely.

4. MEDICAL OFFICE TIP #4: Larger, Patient-Friendly Exam Rooms

The exam room should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the doctor, a nurse or assistant, the patient, and at least one family member.  The exam room should be ADA compatible (big enough for a wheelchair) and able to fit future technology additions.   Given these requirements, the optimal size for an exam room is 10 by 10 feet; smaller sized rooms (8 by 8 feet) will soon be obsolete.

To protect the privacy of the patient, have the exam room door swing inward. The exam table should be placed diagonally, facilitating access on both sides of the table. The exam table should also be adjustable to further keep the patient more comfortable.

5. MEDICAL OFFICE TIP #5: Clean Up the Waiting Room

The waiting room is the first room patients see, and what they associate most with your practice.  Make it as calm, comfortable, and clean as a hotel lobby.  Pick up trash every hour.  Make sure the receptionist’s desk is clear of unnecessary papers.  Invite your patients in with a friendly space.

Golden Group Real Estate specializes in medical office commercial real estate.  For more on Golden Group Real Estate, read about our real estate services.  Let us know if we can help you find office space for rent or buildings for sale.  Call us at (630) 805-2463, email us at troy@goldengroupcre.com, or enter your medical office space search criteria below.