Do you wish you could change the reputation of your waiting room?
Not every patient eagerly anticipates entering your practice. The places they’ll usually see are ‘The place to wait.’
Every healthcare business wants to make sure its customers are happy.
Happy patients result in:
- Great reviews
- Referrals
- Retention
The issue:
Waiting rooms are still lacking in updates and improvements.
Rows upon rows of uncomfortable chairs and a complete lack of comfort. Not to mention, most waiting rooms don’t take into consideration the fact that 84% of patients think wait time is “somewhat” or “very important” to their overall experience.
If you lack modern seating designs, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
In this article, you’ll learn the 5 top trends in modern waiting room seating and how it can make your patients happier while they wait.
So, let’s get to it!
In this article you will discover:
- Why Modern Seating Design Is So Crucial
- What Sets Today’s Waiting Room Chairs Apart
- 7 Design Trends That Are Changing the Game
Why Modern Seating Design Is So Crucial
A modern waiting room’s seating area design is more than just an aesthetic upgrade. It’s based on hard science as to why it’s so much more beneficial to patient satisfaction.
Shorter Wait Times
Patients wait an average of 21 minutes before seeing their healthcare provider. Now, that’s a long time to sit in an uncomfortable chair and feel like they’re dying!
Comfortable seating offers a positive distraction that tricks their brain into thinking they haven’t been waiting that long.
Greater Trust and Authority
Think of waiting room chairs as the first impression your patients get when they first walk through the door.
Patients are going to have formed a strong idea of your practice within seconds of seeing what it looks like inside. When they see an extensive range of waiting room chairs that are modern and attractive, they immediately get trust and confidence that you care about their overall experience.
Patients who trust their healthcare provider are more likely to:
- Take their treatment recommendations
- Recommend your practice to their loved ones
- Write positive reviews on social media
Increases Positive Health Outcomes
This may shock you a little bit…
Comfortable waiting room chairs actually impact patients’ health outcomes. Stress and anxiety in the waiting room transfers into their appointment.
If patients are more relaxed waiting, then they’re more likely to:
- Be more receptive to treatment
- Communicate more openly with their healthcare provider
What Sets Today’s Waiting Room Chairs Apart?
Waiting rooms now have changed from years past, and they’re using a completely different approach to the type of furniture they select.
Modular and Flexible Design
One huge change is now they’re using more modular and flexible options. This allows them to move the chairs around or set them up in a seating pod formation.
Not only does this create some separation and privacy between patients, but it also helps with the all-important social distancing.
Modular seating also means that you can easily move chairs around when the patient traffic is heavier or lighter.
Enhanced Comfort Features
The next big thing you’ll find with modern waiting room chairs is that they have an ergonomic design.
Wait, how? Hospital and doctor waiting rooms are only for people who are feeling sick, right?
Well, not really. Patients are still human, and they deserve to be as comfortable as they can while they wait their turn to see a doctor.
That’s why many providers are investing in commercial-grade, ergonomic waiting room chairs. Not only do they look a lot more modern, but they also provide:
- Better support
- Comfort to help with relaxation
Integrated Technology
Wait, what? Integrated technology?
Most healthcare organizations don’t even consider the fact that patients today expect to stay connected while they wait.
Modern seating has built-in charging stations, USB ports, and even wireless charging pads built right into the furniture.
Not only is this convenient for patients, but it also allows them to do things like fill out their paperwork online, research their conditions, or even just keep themselves entertained if they have to wait a while.
5 Game-Changing Design Trends You Need to Know
Trend 1: Comfortable and Residential-Looking Chairs
The number one trend we’re seeing in waiting room chairs is that they’re looking a lot more residential these days. Instead of clinical and institutional furniture, we’re starting to see more sofas, loveseats, and lounge chairs.
These types of seating provide a lot of benefits for your patients, including:
- Helps to lower patient anxiety
- Provides a more welcoming atmosphere
- Improves reviews and word of mouth referrals
Trend 2: Varied and Mixed Seating Options
Smart waiting rooms are now offering a wide range of waiting room furniture. Not only single chairs but also two-seat options and larger groupings.
This gives patients a choice in how they want to wait. Some may want to sit alone, while others may want to sit with their family.
By providing a choice of options, you can better accommodate the needs and preferences of all your patients.
Trend 3: Antimicrobial Surfaces
The next big thing you’ll see in new waiting room furniture is that they’re using antimicrobial materials and fabrics. This is especially important in the post-COVID world.
Antimicrobial surfaces are a huge help in the battle against germs and bacteria, which is why they’re increasingly becoming used in healthcare settings.
When shopping for new waiting room chairs, look for options that have built-in antimicrobial protection. This will help to keep bacteria, mold, and viruses at bay.
Trend 4: Bariatric-Friendly Furniture
Inclusive design is another important trend we’re starting to see in modern waiting room furniture. That means having options for patients of all sizes, including bariatric-friendly furniture.
There are now chairs that are wider and reinforced to safely support larger patients without breaking.
It’s important to have furniture that is both comfortable and dignified for all your patients.
Trend 5: Furniture With Natural Materials and Textures
The final trend we’re seeing in modern waiting room furniture is a move towards more natural materials and textures.
We’re starting to see more wood finishes, textured fabrics, and earth-toned colors. This type of furniture helps create a calming environment, which can help reduce stress levels.
Research has shown that being around natural elements can even lower blood pressure and help to reduce anxiety.
The Bottom Line for Seating Selections
When it comes to selecting waiting room furniture, it’s important to remember that this is more than just a functional piece of your patient experience.
You want to focus on three things when selecting waiting room chairs:
Comfort: Make sure the chairs are comfortable enough that patients can sit in them for long periods of time without getting tired or sore.
Flexibility: The furniture should also be flexible enough to accommodate different patient needs and volumes throughout the day.
Durability: Look for chairs made from commercial-grade materials that can stand up to heavy use while still looking great.
Maintenance requirements are also important to consider. Make sure you can easily clean and sanitize the fabric and surfaces without it showing signs of wear.
Wrapping Up
I hope this article has given you some great insight into the five trends in modern waiting room furniture and how these can help make your patients happier and more relaxed while they wait.
The great thing about these new trends is you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two of the changes that make the most sense for your patient base and budget.
Remember, every minute your patients spend in the waiting room is an opportunity to make a positive impression. Invest in seating that shows them you care about their comfort and experience.
