It is a proven fact that the ambience of any medical facility has a significant impact on the mindset of its patients. It can do wonders to calm the frayed nerves of the waiting patients. The latest medical furniture is designed to improve the experience for patients and employees while preventing the spread of infection through effective clean ability. Today, health centers are aiming to create a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere to instill a sense of calmness and positivity among their patients. This complex task of transforming an intimidating atmosphere into one that exudes easiness is an important one. A medical centre is a place where practicality deserves highest priority. In a place where the delay of a few seconds can spell the difference between life and tragedy, nothing should stand in the way of health services.
That is why the furniture arrangement should be designed to work cohesively. We can make it work by: Demarcating it into three basic zones: the reception, the consultation area and visitor area. We have to furnish each area with furniture that suits the aim. We should use lightweight wheeled furniture that can be quickly moved out of place. One should avoid overcrowding the place with excessive furniture. Placement should be well-planned. Enough space for walking and wheeling around freely. Arrangement configurations are most suitable for ICUs as they allow caregivers to observe patients easily. Nurse stations between several rooms allow for personal care for patients.
ROLE OF CLEANLINESS IN MEDICAL FURNITURE
Medical facilities in the fight to prevent infections, manufacturers are focusing on contamination prevention in hospital furniture designs. Pathogens can grow and thrive in cracks, and spread to patients. Thus, designing one that is nonporous is better for patients. Cleanability isn’t just about the appearance of stains. It encompasses the very larger domain of infection control. Infection control has gone to the top of the cleanability criteria for many institutes. It drives discussions around health care furniture features like clean-out spaces, as well as arm caps, but also dives into surface material selection, the use of antimicrobials. Keeping surfaces clean is important in helping hospitals to prevent the spread of pathogens. The back of the chair should be upholstery-free and the frame must be cleaned with all antimicrobial products.
There are two key elements to furniture cleanability. The first one is utilizing the appropriate textile. The current trend is towards medical care vinyl and polyurethane textiles, which are durable and easy to clean. The material should include anti-stain qualities. The second element is the chair itself. The arm caps should be one piece. This eliminates crevices that are hard to clean. The seat and seat back should have a clean-out space for easy housekeeping.
The chair framework should be designed for simple cleaning. The seat must not be tight to the side frame, and must allow for a 360-degree wipe-down. The framework should be fastened to the arm and/or leg frames with minimal catchalls. A place of healing like hospital should not become an infectious breeding ground for pathogens. Hygiene is a prime reason that has pushed for extensive R&D and resulted in healthcare seating that is specifically designed to control the spread of contagions.
CONSIDERATION OF AESTHETICS FACTOR IN MODERN DESIGNING
Furniture has an essential role to play in this industry. It can be a positive way of welcoming patients as they enter. It can also offer them a place to relax and reflect. Especially, waiting rooms, wards and reception areas can influence visitors’ feelings. Hospital and medical equipments are the support centre of our well being and the patients spend maximum here. As the quality parameters are mandatory in medical sector, organizations should work hard to bring forth comfortable environment that can impact the healing process.
Furniture differs from one area to another. It includes: Hospital beds, bedside tables, lockers, cabinets, hospitals chairs such as a dental chair, lift chair, wheelchair and gynecological chair, bassinet, bathtub, cradles, crib and shower gurneys and medical cupboards used for storing instruments, disposables and medicines.
Aesthetics is one of the key factor while selecting or designing furniture for today’s medical care facilities to create a positive like feeling. It can create a peaceful environment by providing physical and emotional comfort during a subject’s painful and stressful times. To reduce pathogenic contamination, improve hospital experience and create an aesthetic feature in hospital, one must consider the following during selection: Easy to maintain, resistant to bacterial growth and non-porous design.
CONCLUSION
Thus, furnishing is a crucial part of any hospital facility, and it plays an essential role in the smooth functioning of the whole institution. It has an enormous impact on the maintenance of the flow of patients in and out of the hospital. It helps to foster a good impression in the minds of those who believe in the services offered.
