Many patients are stressed during medical exams. The process can be lengthy and confusing. If you operate a healthcare practice, one of your primary concerns should be about ensuring that this experience is as smooth as possible for patients. This is especially applicable for healthcare fields such as sexual health or oncology. A long and stressful process can make patients choose other providers over you, as well as hamper their treatment. Here are some ways to ensure that your medical examination process is a comfortable experience for patients.
Design the layout to make it efficient
The best way to utilize space in your exam room is to ensure that your workflow is smooth. You can achieve this by optimizing the exam room for your capacity. Patients should not have to wait for long, and there should be adequate space in the room to fit in all the equipment that you need. Make sure that the equipment such as examination beds are comfortable.
The more multipurpose furniture you can fit in, the better. You should try to put in movable furniture on wheels so that they can easily be shifted around. Also, ensure that your rooms and facilities are disable-friendly. The medical exam room lights that you put in should be adequately bright, without making the patient feel uncomfortable or unnecessarily exposed.
Make the waiting room pleasant
As patients will inevitably have to wait in waiting rooms, you should try to make them aesthetically pleasing. You can do this by adding flowers, paintings, and indoor plants. A tasteful decor and bright natural light go a long way in making your waiting room feel non-threatening. You can do this by adding flowers, paintings, and indoor plants. You can also play music that is soothing to ease the nerves. Children should get special areas to play in, so that they don’t pile stress on to their parents.
Make the patient feel respected
Your choice of decor can help your patients feel more respected and heard during the examination process. Do this by providing special areas where they can change or get privacy. Make provisions for a friend or relative to accompany them into the room by setting up a waiting area inside. This will help them feel safe. Make sure that the room is soundproof so that patients feel comfortable talking about their problems.
Use multimedia for teaching and treatment
You can use large screens and computers to teach patients along the way about their own bodies. This will make them feel more involved in the treatment process. You can also put in informational slides on TV screen in the waiting room to keep patients entertained. Patients should be able to check themselves in using smart devices. Try to share ultrasound images with the patient and encourage them to participate.
Implementing these things does not have to be expensive. Simple changes in layout, mixed with smart and efficient design will help you create a better examination room. This will make your healthcare facilities stand out, and your patience will appreciate you for it.