There are millions of people right now sitting in waiting rooms around the world. Many of them are sick, anxious, or both. Most are worried for one reason or another, and may be spending quite a while waiting. Anything one can do to make the wait a pleasant one will be appreciated. Likewise, keeping patients calm can help foster productive patient-staff relations - but you have to go beyond the brochure displays and year-old magazines. You need a little more.
Comfortable Furniture
Find furniture that’s both comfortable and practical through suppliers geared toward professional offices. Look for dark fabrics in small prints. Upholstered furniture is your best bet for comfort, but select a few different sizes and styles to accommodate every size patient. Also, keep in mind you may want a loveseat or sofa for parents with children, and a few chairs with arms for people who may have difficulty getting up.
Current Reading Materials
Magazines are a great way to pass the time while waiting, but many waiting rooms have magazines so old no one is interested. Take the time to subscribe to at least five different magazines covering a variety of popular interests. One for men, one for women, two general interest, and one for children is ideal.
Brochure Displays
Many patients have many questions about their health. Anything they can gather by reading on their own is a step in the right direction, so be sure to stock brochure displays with pamphlets about anything of interest to your patients, whether its nutritional information, exercise tips, or new guidelines for taking care of particular illnesses. Avoid putting out pamphlets marketing particular drugs or services – you want your brochure displays to give your patients solid, unbiased information. Consider using a display for patient questionnaires, and they may even give you feedback.
A Water Cooler
A waiting room makes many nervous which often translates into a dry throat, and severe thirst. Add a general sense of malaise to the picture and you can understand why so many patients want a drink of water. Some feel uncomfortable bothering the receptionist or looking for a drinking fountain, and how often does anyone want to get up and go to a fountain, anyway? It is better to have a water cooler and plentiful supply of paper cups available so patients can help themselves.
Live plants
Live plants can give even the tiniest room an airy, open, feel. Likewise, plants also help clean the air, keeping dust and contaminants to a minimum. They are also soothing to behold, which helps lower the blood pressure and keep people calm. If you have a green thumb, put it to work in your waiting room. If not, consider hiring a plant care service to come in once a week and tend to your plants. The benefits plants provide are worth every penny it costs to care for them.
A Children’s Section
Every waiting room should have a corner area dedicated to children. This area should feature child-sized furniture, children’s books and magazines, and some quiet toys to keep kids entertained. Fidgety, overactive, or unhappy children can become a problem in the waiting room. Engage them and everyone will be happier.
