Creating Positive Design Distractions for Your Office
By Carrie Rossenfeld
Medical offices can be uncomfortable places for physicians, staff and patients alike. Most practitioners have hectic schedules, their employees often deal with endless demands and simply visiting a doctor can create anxiety or boredom for some people. An office with design elements that distract in a good way can make the experience of being there more pleasant.
“A welcoming physical layout and design of the office space can contribute to a sense of calmness and serenity and can put patients more at ease,” says Erin Sharaf, clinical coordinator and instructor for the physician assistant program at the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.
“Healthcare design research has consistently shown a positive correlation between a well-designed interior space and the overall comfort of patients,” adds Karen Edmundson, furniture sales executive with Business Interiors by Staples.
Some experts believe that medical office design elements can have the effect of speeding the healing and recovery process for patients. “The effective use of furniture and design can help create a healing environment – one that makes patients feel more comfortable and engaged in the medical care process, and may even help promote speedier recovery times,” Edmundson contends.
Which design elements distract?
Many design elements can be enhanced in order to create positive distractions for everyone in your office.
“The sensory, physical and emotional experience is often what impacts people the most, including the odors, sounds, lights and temperature of the environment,” says Carla M. Jaspers, an occupational therapist and master of industrial design in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Consider the following elements when creating a positively distracting office environment:
Nature – Try utilizing natural, earth-friendly materials, plant or water life and other elements inspired by nature such as textured walls or floor tiles, or carpeting with nature-themed designs. These “can elicit memories of sensory experiences within other enjoyable contexts, as we have physical memories of surfaces we experience,” Jaspers notes. Use soothing colors that evoke nature as part of a therapeutic design and sophisticated color palette.
Lighting – Soft, natural lighting is best. Avoid fluorescent and excessive overhead lights as they can be harsh on the eyes and make colors seem starker. “Many patients often note it is easy to lose all concept of time when in a healthcare facility, often due to the lack of cues received from natural light, disturbing sleeping and waking patterns, appetite and potentially resulting in symptoms of depression,” Jaspers explains. “Lighting should be bright enough for a working environment, yet diffused for a warmer effect.”
Sounds – Music that is soothing or features naturally occurring sounds is appropriate when designing a calming space. Instrumental music or soundscapes allow patients time for quiet reflection, meditation or even simple distraction before an appointment. Sound-absorbing elements within the design help keep the environment quiet, preventing patients from hearing outside conversations in adjacent rooms. Also, noise-reduction techniques, including the use of white noise, can help reduce patient stress.
Seating – Reception and exam room seating should be comfortable for all body types, appropriate for your patient demographic, aesthetically pleasing and durable. Seating should also inhibit the growth of bacteria. Seating for staff should be both functional and comfortable, particularly if they are sitting for a good part of the day. Consider arranging seating to create interesting, non-linear spaces, while promoting comfort and privacy for patients and visitors. (See MOT’s story “Choosing the Right Seating for Your Practice”)
Artwork – Calming artwork engages patients and puts them at ease, while humorous artwork is disarming and relaxing. One striking piece of artwork in a space draws the eye in and can distract the viewer from unpleasant thoughts and feelings. (See MOT’s story “What’s on Your Walls?”)
Dramatic elements – Skylights, waterfalls, murals and decorative screens can create positive sensual experiences for everyone in your office and set the mood, as well.
Design elements to avoid:
Keep anxiety-provoking items (medical tools, pictures of procedures, etc.) out of sight, but don’t create an environment that’s either too sterile or overstimulating. “Anything that can be jarring to mind, body or spirit should be eliminated,” Sharaf advises.
“Remember that your office is a place of business, so you want to avoid designing it like your personal living room,” Edmundson warns. She also advises against choosing colors or fabrics that are visually distracting or ill-suited to frequent, high-volume use, as well as items that are too trendy and therefore likely to go out of style.
Remember to re-assess your design elements on a regular basis to determine what’s working as well as what’s no longer working or could be improved in some way. You might also want to seek input from your patients as they can be the best teachers. And finally, enjoy the design process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
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| A Pediatric Hospital |
Full Article: http://www.medicalofficetoday.com/content.asp?article=5266
