Competition for patients has become more heated across the medical office sector, but as Justin Brasell, VP of healthcare advisory services at Transwestern, sees it, one factor that could separate the successful practices from the pack is often overworked: office design.
As patient convenience and satisfaction become a central focus in American healthcare, practices are seeking ways to provide a superior patient experience that retains customers and differentiates providers from competitors. The goal is to create a comfortable, relaxed environment that promotes healing and improved outcomes for patients, while supporting and energizing caregivers to perform at their best.
Unfortunately, traditional medical office layouts can sour the doctor-patient relationship. The decades-old process of completing seemingly endless paperwork, and then passing the better part of an hour in a crowded waiting room, may spur some patients to seek a new provider.
Here are several design elements that can establish a more welcoming, patient-friendly environment. Many offer the added benefits of strengthening employee retention, enhancing efficiency and eliminating excess square footage, lowering overall rent and utility costs.