Whether you are a medical professional, hospital owner or a clinic practitioner, furnishing a healthcare facility is always a daunting and tricky task. By its nature and services, healthcare properties are not the most welcoming place where patients and caregivers would love to spend their time. Besides that, the dull aesthetics and dated furniture add to the low-spirited aura of healthcare spaces.
Despite this harsh reality, such impressions can be reversed if the waiting area, hospital lobby and other prime visitor locations are graced with comfortable furniture and cheerful décor elements. Furnishing plays an influential role in this industry and can be a significant differentiator – as it is a direct reflection of how you put “comfort and care” at the centre of your design.
The medical furniture should be well thought-out, something that fulfils caregiver needs and has a patient-friendly design. So, to help you select the right furniture for the healthcare environment, we are outlining a criterion to be followed while shopping.
Comfort and safety
First and foremost, in the intimidating setting of the healthcare unit, you want your patients and caregiver to feel at ease and happy. It is the only place which is visited by people from all walks of life, different age groups and sizes. Healthcare should add 20% bariatric furniture in the setting to make it look more cohesive. The seating items should have padded armrests and sturdy grips to ensure the safety of patients.
With that, choose ergonomic chairs for your medical and paramedical staff. In the hustle and bustle of healthcare life, everyone needs a moment to relax. Hospitals operate 24X7, so make sure the chairs they use offer advanced ergonomic features.
Durability and hygiene
With a high footfall of patients with various health issues, hospital lobbies become a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Before treating any illness, the primary motive of healthcare professionals should be to prevent it. Choose furniture with nonporous, antimicrobial and creaseless fabrics to reduce cross-contamination.
Along with that, choose a rugged fabric that can withstand frequent cleaning and fumigation processes. These days, the preferred fabrics for healthcare establishments are vinyl and polyurethane. They simplify the maintenance process while looking visually pleasant. They are stain-resistant, extremely durable and puncture-proof.
Prioritize the Privacy
Integrate acoustic panels and screens to give a moment of privacy to your patients, their guests and the caregiver. It will ensure complete peace of mind by minimizing the patient anxiety and by accelerating the recovery process.
Moreover, the entire layout of the hospital should have sound-absorbing elements in the clinic so that doctors and nurses don’t get distracted by the noise in the waiting area. This will enhance the efficiency of the staff working on a critical case.
Aesthetics
A healthcare décor component and other visual facets like colour scheme should instil a sense of calm. Pay heed to your patients’ behaviour when they walk into your facility, do they feel anxious or do they feel peaceful? If they feel anxious, then you need to tone the palette down. Make sure you use soft hues over the fiery ones. Patients heal faster when they are in a balanced setting.
Patient and family accommodation
Last but obviously not the least, accommodation for the patient is of paramount importance. The beds, mattress, medical furniture such as stool, crib, wheelchairs and examination table should provide optimum support, manoeuvrability and comfort.
In case of emergency and medical procedures, patients often come with a friend or family member, it is essential for hospitals to add functional furniture. Such furniture can be used as a bed or resting pad at night.
Both patient and caregiver should be provided with an intimate atmosphere where their privacy is not encroached upon.
Wrapping up
Furnishing has become a significant part of the value proposition in a healthcare business. The outpatient location demands highly sturdy furniture to maintain the flow of patients while the inpatient area focuses more on recovery and relaxation.
A healthcare facility should not be cold and uninviting, stay observant to create a harmonious and hospitable atmosphere for your patients and their families, every detail counts.
And if you are on a lookout for ergonomic chairs and medical furniture, count on HOF. With more than three decades of expertise in furniture manufacturing, we bring the most durable, functional and comfortable seating solutions for our clients. To explore our outstanding selection, visit www.shop.hofindia.com now!
