How video systems and monitors can solve interior design challenges in medical facilities
Jill Hamblen, partner and architect at triARC architecture & design, LLC, is a mother of a child with special needs as well as an interior designer, which she says gives her a richer perspective of the patient experience and how to use interior design to address typical shortcomings and challenges within medical facilities. One solution is using healthcare video and communication systems to meet a variety of needs.
WAYFINDING
Getting lost in a hospital or facility can be incredibly stressful for a patient. “You’re usually there when you’re sick, or you’re having tests, or you’re in the hospital, so there’s already a level of stress that’s elevated — you’re in a new place going through something that’s unique and not a daily occurrence,” adds Jill. Having a device that communicates that a patient is going in the right direction is imperative in alleviating this stress.
With a wide variety of screen formats, clinics and interior designers are also getting creative with how these new types of screens can be used. Jill makes note of long, skinny screens that can be used for wayfinding. “The directions may be to follow the flying birds, and at each stage as you’re walking through the clinic, if you’re following the flying birds, you know you’re going in the right direction,” she explains.
DECREASING TENSION
Another way that patients’ anxiety can be reduced is by using patient care video and communication systems to display calming imagery. In her professional and personal life, Jill has seen numerous medical facilities use these systems to greet patients and their loved ones with images that are comforting, uplifting, and take their minds a little bit out of that stressful situation.
Window Channel is another cutting-edge solution for any type of healthcare environment. Will Gray, our director of customer experience here at PIVIUM, Inc., says that studies have shown that patients experience quicker healing times if you can get the patient thinking outside of their room.
He explains, “Window Channel is basically a relaxation channel that’s played on a media player.” With monthly or yearly subscription options, clinics can improve the patient’s outlook and recovery time by delivering this content to a TV in an inexpensive manner.
Additionally, messaging on common area screens about the hospital can also help put the patient and their family at ease. Jill suggests using a message that highlights a facility’s credentials, such as accentuating top doctors at the facility or emphasizing that the patient is in good hands. “It’s a game changer,” she states.
BRAND POSITIONING
Jill also recommends using healthcare video and communication systems to provide valuable information to patients, positioning a facility as a thought leader or as an organization that takes a comprehensive approach to wellness. She explains, “You can use these systems to display information that shows patients how to take care of themselves, such as nutritional and exercise tips.”
She also adds that these patient care video and communication systems can be used to help drive key business goals. “Hospitals that have outpatient facilities or that that have various other facilities around the community can advertise those,” she explains. “What we’re surrounded by we tend to do or be mindful of, so you have the opportunity to relay important messages to patients and their families,” adds Jill.
She says that this helps communicate ‘We’re not just a hospital,’ or, ‘We’re not just a clinic.’ Instead, it demonstrates that a facility is part of the continuum of patient care.
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