Using Office Layout and Aesthetics to Your Advantage

Whether you are planning your office for a new practice or just need to spruce up your existing office, don’t underestimate the importance of office layout and aesthetics. A medical office is different from other offices and should be treated accordingly.

Be sure to consider possible layouts when evaluating potential office sites. Architect Richard Haines suggests clustering exam rooms to cut down on the time you spend walking and increase productivity. Besides considering which layout will be most effective for you, imagine what your office layout will convey to your patients. Streamlined floor plans make sense for a physician and prevent patient confusion. If your patients are sick or in pain, the last thing they need is stress from trying to find their way out of your office labyrinth.

Waiting room layout is also significant. This Medical Economics article offers a formula for waiting room size and offers tips about where a receptionist desk should be. Don’t forget to check local building, safety, and accessibility codes for physician waiting areas.

The cosmetic appearance of your office can affect how your patients perceive you. Decisions regarding lighting, seating, window placement, and wall covering can set the tone for patient visits. Hiring a designer is not for everyone, but it can’t hurt to at least weigh the cost versus the benefits. Architects and interior designers that specialize in physician offices often yield impressive results.

When considering the practicality of a layout or evaluating decorating options, always be aware of factors such as privacy and comfort. You should also be mindful of your patient demographic, which can vary greatly by specialty.

As a resident, if you plan to open your own practice, you are in a better position to control many of the aforementioned factors than a physician that already has an established office. Carefully planning your office now will pay dividends down the road.