How to design waiting rooms for hospitals and healthcare facilities

There are several crucial aspects to consider when designing waiting rooms for the hospital environment. This in-depth analysis is curated by CFS Italia Design, our department specialized in the creation of spaces for healthcare facilities.

The emotional component of a waiting room

Waiting rooms are spaces strongly connected to the experience that patients and their families live in the healthcare context. They are often places where anxiety and uncertainty mix, characterized by a strong emotional component. Those waiting may be worried about a diagnosis or the health of a loved one, and the surrounding environment can significantly influence these feelings.

We usually imagine these spaces with functional furnishings such as chairs, tables, clear signage, water dispensers and, sometimes, electrical outlets for mobile devices directly at the workstation or seat.

What to consider when designing a waiting room

The first step in designing a waiting room is to analyze the needs of patients, the flow of people, the architectural context of the hospital and the hygiene and health regulations. These elements are essential to create a balance between functionality, well-being and safety.

Another important aspect to take into consideration is the position of the waiting rooms of a hospital or a nursing home: if they are at the entrance, they represent a sort of business card for the entire facility and are the first point of contact for patients and visitors. In short: they have a key role in influencing the perception of the facility, both on an emotional and functional level.

The CFS Italia Design team summarizes the design process in three key words:

hygiene : in a healthcare facility, hygiene is essential, especially in environments with a high influx of people. The need to keep waiting rooms clean is accompanied by a minimalist and functional design. Materials such as plastic or steel are preferable because they are easy to clean and ideal for reducing the spread of bacteria;
comfort : in facilities such as nursing homes, waiting rooms are places where patients and family members meet. It is important to create a welcoming environment, for example with sofas and flowers that can also serve as dividers in certain occasions, making the space more dynamic and pleasant;
accessibility : it is essential to ensure wide aisles between seats and adequate spaces for people with disabilities. In addition, reducing overcrowding and offering a certain level of privacy is equally important.

Designing waiting rooms for specific departments

The contribution of a design team becomes even more relevant when dealing with specialized departments. For example, for pediatric departments, CFS Italia Design offers solutions such as colored wallpapers, tables and play corners to keep the little ones entertained.

In the case of oncology departments, it is important to create a calm and intimate atmosphere, using soft and relaxing colors. Natural light and the presence of plants can help reduce patient anxiety, creating a more serene environment.

Your waiting room by CFS Italia

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