Clinic design plays a huge role in the success and reputation of a healthcare business. Physiotherapy clinics must be comfortable spaces that are welcoming, clean, and designed in a way that encourages clients to return. In this blog we will explore 5 popular physiotherapy clinic design ideas to try out with your business.
Minimalism
Minimalist clinic design is popular for good reason. Our environment plays an important role in how comfortable we feel in a new place and minimalism can have a calming effect on visitors. Some may even find it overwhelming to enter a clinic that is full of unnecessary colours or clutter. Minimalist clinic design follows the general principle that ‘less is more’.
To make your physiotherapy clinic design minimalist, consider using more organised storage areas and units. Not only does this create clean lines and clearly defined spaces, but it ensures any clutter is tidied away and makes the whole clinic feel more open.
Colour, lighting, graphics, and design choices should also be carefully considered in clinic design, with the aim of creating a relaxing atmosphere and free-flowing spaces. These features should work together to create a friendly, functional environment for patients while also simplifying administrative operations for your personnel. Relaxed lighting and neutral colours are used in clinic design to ensure patients are as relaxed as possible. It can also give the illusion of a larger, lighter space, potentially making visitors think more positively about the business and their visit.
Functionality
As with any clinic interior, you will need to consider the functionality of the space you are designing. Depending on the type of physiotherapy service you are providing, you will have very different requirements for what must feature in the clinic, and what is not so important.
For a space to function well, it must fit in with your everyday work life and activities. You must design the clinic in a way that will make tasks easier. Ensure that the practice bed is made the main axis of the room and has plenty of space around it. This will allow you to move around freely when performing physio on a client, and the patient to feel comfortable when getting on and off the bed.
If you want to add additional seating to the room, position it in the corners of the room so as not to take up space. This also ensures easy access through the room. You could even consider using fold-away chairs or other easy to store pieces of furniture. When it comes to storage, think height. Install shelves to house your physiotherapy equipment, products, and any documents that you need.
Technology
Technology has become a big part of interior clinic design in recent years. Not only can technology help speed up operations, it can make them safer. The Covid-19 pandemic made many clinics rethink their processes to ensure that sanitisation and health were a priority.
The welcome desk is one of the most important permanent sites in any clinic and one of the most significant uses of floor space. While a central point for administration and visitor inquiries is necessary, this does not have to be limited to a single large area with a desk. Many clinics now streamline check-in services using technology.
Touchscreen check-ins are increasingly popular. These digital kiosks take the place of traditional receptionists in patient-facing roles. As well as leading to less contact between people (which is more hygienic and necessary in the age of Covid-19), this simplifies patient registration and can also create more floor space in the clinic. The screens can be cleaned regularly between check-ins.
Natural
Biophilic design prioritises the use of natural materials and light. This can be implemented in physiotherapy clinic design by blurring the distinctions between indoor and outdoor environments. Consider having large windows or doors that, where possible, open out into outside spaces. By replacing artificial light with sunlight, a more relaxed atmosphere is created for patients, with no harsh shadows.
Incorporating plants and other vegetation into building entrances or certain rooms can not only elevate mood, but are shown to increase oxygen levels. If you want your clinic to have a strong focus on being green, you can ask your fit out experts to only use sustainably-sourced or sustainably-produced materials.
Patient-Centred
Patient-centred design works to ensure that patients remain as number one priority in the clinic. When waiting for an appointment, most physiotherapy patients value privacy. This is difficult in a facility with little space, but having some private areas of the clinic for those waiting, or even unfixed furnishings that can be moved around as desired, allows for patients to feel more comfortable. Patient-centred design must also consider family members and others who may be accompanying patients on their journey.
HE Interiors provide fit outs for a range of clinics, including physiotherapy clinics. Get in touch to find out how we can design and fit your dream space.
