Design welcoming health environments that support patients and improve workflow for healthcare professionals.
Creating a warm, safe, and comfortable space is crucial for healthcare facilities to provide a positive experience. Healthcare furniture plays a significant role in achieving this goal as it contributes to the overall well-being of patients, visitors, and workers. Choosing the right furniture in hospitals or clinics reflects an environment that prioritizes health and comfort.
What is healthcare furniture?
Healthcare furniture is specifically designed for healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health facilities, medical laboratories, nursing stations, and doctor’s offices. These furnishings have unique requirements to meet the needs of healthcare environments, such as infection control, ergonomics, the ability to withstand harsh cleaning, and accessibility. Healthcare furniture can include workstations, task chairs, supply carts, bariatric chairs, laboratory tables, storage, recliners etc.
How to choose healthcare furniture
When choosing healthcare furniture, several considerations must be put in place to ensure that it meets the needs of your healthcare environment. Begin by assessing the needs of your patients and healthcare workers, including their physical needs and the tasks they need to perform. Then, you should consult a healthcare furniture specialist to determine which furniture options best meet those needs.
While choosing your healthcare furniture, here are some questions you should use as a framework.
- Will the furniture reduce the risk of injuries?
- Will the furniture improve productivity?
- Will the furniture improve patient outcomes?
The answer to these questions must be YES. Once that has been established, here are some factors to consider when selecting healthcare furniture:
- Ergonomics: Healthcare workers spend long hours on their feet, so choosing ergonomically designed furniture is essential to reduce the risk of injuries and improve comfort. Using chairs with adjustable features like tilt, armrests, and lumbar support, can help reduce fatigue and improve circulation. Also, workstations or desks with height-adjustable features can ensure that workers are stretching and getting work done at the same time. These features can contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment for healthcare professionals.
- Infection control: Healthcare facilities are high-risk areas for disease transmission; thus, they need furniture that is easy to clean and can withstand regular cleaning and disinfecting procedures to prevent the spread of infections. The hospital furniture should be made of non-porous materials that do not retain moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew.
- Durability: Hospital furniture will be used by different patients and thus should withstand frequent use and heavy weight loads. Items like chairs must accommodate patients of all sizes, and you can achieve this by choosing furniture made from durable, long-lasting materials.
- Moveability: In a busy healthcare environment, the ability to frequently rearrange furniture is crucial. Modular furniture that is easy to move and multipurpose is necessary to accommodate the changing needs of patients and staff. This provides maximum flexibility, saves space, and prevents accidents.
- Accessibility: Providing furniture for patients with disabilities is essential in the health care facility. The furniture must be accessible to people with different disabilities and meet accessibility requirements.
- Style and design: Healthcare furniture does not have to be boring. They should have character and complement the facility’s design and aesthetics while meeting the functional needs and the people who will use the furniture. Incorporating colourful furniture and materials into healthcare spaces creates a bright and calming space for patients.
Considering these factors ensures that you choose safe, functional, and comfortable furniture for patients and healthcare workers in your facility.
When is it time to replace your healthcare furniture?
It is essential to keep an eye on the condition of your healthcare furniture and replace it when necessary, as delaying this may cause accidents. Some signs that say it’s time to replace your furniture include the following:
- Damage: If the furniture is damaged and cannot be repaired, it’s time to replace it, as it can compromise the safety or comfort of your patients, visitors, or healthcare workers.
- Wear and Tear: Worn-out fabric, frayed upholstery, peeling paint, and sagging cushions are signs that your furniture may be uncomfortable, inhibiting bacteria and is due for replacement.
- Changes in functionality: Is your existing furniture still meeting the needs of your patients and staff? If not, it’s time to consider new options and replace them.
- Outdated design: Like every office space, looks and aesthetics are essential. If your healthcare furniture looks outdated and no longer fits the modern design trend, you should consider an upgrade.
Prioritize safety, comfort and well-being when designing healthcare facilities.
Healthcare furniture contributes to your facility’s functionality and can determine the overall hospital experience for patients and workers. Let’s help you make this experience an amazing one for them. Contact our team of furniture experts to get started.
