Your waiting area is the first impression your medical or dental practice makes on your patients. 97% of patients spend an average of 13.8 minutes in the waiting room. Many do not like waiting beyond 10 minutes maximum, especially if they haven't even been asked to check in yet.

Having a waiting room that is focused on patient comfort and efficiency is essential to improving the overall patient experience. If you're looking for ways to enhance your existing medical or dental office waiting area, this guide can help.

Keep reading below for ways you can create a comfortable and streamlined patient waiting room.

Implement Streamlined Patient Intake Strategies

You can use your patient waiting area to have patients fill out their intake forms while they wait to be seen. You can also have new patient packets by the front desk when patients walk in the door.

You may want to give patients the option to use a digital patient portal on a tablet or kiosk. This allows patients to register electronically.

Another streamlined patient intake alternative is sending new patient packets via email before the appointment. Then they will be able to fill them out at their leisure and have access to all of the necessary information. This can reduce waiting area time since they won't have to sit and fill everything out in the office. 

An online patient scheduling platform is beneficial for streamlining the waiting room for patients on their way out as well. In fact, 94% of individuals would switch to a practice that offered this innovative time-saving service. 

Focus on Patient Comfort in Seating

Patients who come into your medical office and see uncomfortable or worn-out plastic furniture in your waiting area won't exactly have a good first impression. This can put them off of your practice and negatively impact their opinion. 

If patients need to wait, they should be able to do so in comfort and style. Think of using plush oversized chairs and loveseat configurations rather than cold, sterile-looking plastic furniture. This will elevate the atmosphere of your medical or dental office and create a more welcoming environment.

With an increased focus on patient comfort, they won't mind as much if they do need to wait for any reason. 

Emphasize Soothing Design Elements

The goal is to make your medical waiting room feel less like a typical waiting room. This is why some waiting room layouts incorporate features like waterfalls and fountains. The sound of running water can soothe anxious patients.

You should also use aspects like real or decorative faux floral arrangements and other greenery. The presence of foliage and shrubbery can make your waiting room feel less intimidating. Adding natural or ambient lighting along with mood music can also improve the patient experience in the waiting room. 

Add a Variety of Entertainment Options

Another way to help design a streamlined and comfortable waiting area is to add multiple entertainment elements aside from the standard magazine offerings. Most medical practices have a central TV installed. This can help pass the time for anxious patients waiting for their turn.

You can play popular movies and show local TV channels. You can also highlight informational videos on products and services offered to your patients. 

A game area lets young patients play and pass the time with engaging video game selections. This is especially helpful for pediatric offices.

You can also have a hub available in the waiting room with built-in charging ports and high-speed Wi-Fi. This allows patients to charge and use their tablets and smartphones while they wait. 

Reinvent and Enhance Your Waiting Area Today with Arminco Inc. 

Your waiting area is responsible for helping you make a first impression on your patients. Shouldn't that first impression be the best possible? Your waiting room is an integral part of your medical practice where patient comfort and satisfaction are key elements.

At Arminco Inc., we believe you shouldn't leave anything to chance when it comes to creating the best patient experience. From the waiting room to the treatment rooms and everything in between, designing the right medical office is essential. Trust Arminco Inc. to make it happen.

Contact us to get started on your perfect waiting area design today.