For many medical facilities, the last few years have been about maintaining the status quo. However, a new wave of healthcare is approaching, and it’s important to prepare for it.
In the United States, this sector has a value of $1,318.9 billion. It’s likely to double in the next eight years. As things progress, this sector will be very challenging, especially for newcomers.
If you want to stay competitive in this changing environment, you need to begin modernizing your facility now by making some simple changes. Here are a few tips on how you can go about it.
Bring in New Medical Equipment
When it comes to patient experience, there’s no substitute for new technology. The medical equipment market currently has a value of around $500 billion. That means there are always newer technologies being introduced in this field. As a result of this, the market keeps growing bigger with each passing year.
Newer equipment is more efficient, cheaper to run, and easier for patients and medical staff alike. New technologies can also improve outcomes for patients.
For example, some machines are equipped with cameras that allow doctors to look inside the body without having to open up a patient. This can save time and reduce risks associated with surgery or invasive procedures like X-rays or MRIs.
In addition, newer models of medical equipment often feature improved design features that increase comfort for people who use them frequently.
Install a Modular Cleanroom
A cleanroom is a room that’s used to process sensitive materials and equipment, such as pharmaceuticals or biologics. Cleanrooms are ideal for use in laboratories or manufacturing facilities because they ensure that your product isn’t contaminated by outside sources like dust particles, mildew spores, and bacteria. In addition to being beneficial from an operational standpoint, having a cleanroom will also make your facility safer.
Modular cleanrooms can be set up as testing areas at your medical facility. In doing so, you can provide accurate test results to your patients. There will be no contaminants inside to mess up the tests for you. That way, you can provide better and more consistent service to your patients.
At present, the cleanroom industry’s market value is around $4 billion. In the next eight years, that value will cross the $5 billion mark. This goes to show that more healthcare facilities are investing in this market. They are making full use of this technology. Unless you do the same, you’ll fall behind them in this sector.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your facility clean is an important part of patient safety and infection control. Cleanliness is essential for preventing infections, reducing cross-contamination, minimizing the spread of germs, and preventing the transmission of disease.
It’s also important for patients, visitors, and staff members to feel comfortable in their surroundings. The more you can do to make your visiting experience positive and enjoyable, the more likely it will be that they’ll return to see you again.
Ensure a Spacious and Comfortable Waiting Area
A comfortable waiting area is essential for patients, who can become frustrated if they have to wait at the reception desk for a long period. Waiting areas should include comfortable seating so patients and their families can relax while they wait.
Waiting areas should also have charging stations for mobile devices, as well as magazines or other reading material, in case patients have to wait longer than anticipated.
It’s generally not recommended that you provide television sets or other entertainment sources in your waiting room. However, that could be an option for waiting rooms specifically designed for children, which you should also consider.
Ensure Sufficient Natural Lighting and Ventilation
It is well-known that natural lighting and ventilation improve patients’ general well-being, but it’s also important to ensure your medical facility has enough.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a minimum amount of 1 footcandle (FC) at floor level in patient rooms.
FC measures how much light illuminates an indoor space. One footcandle equals 10.7 lux. To achieve this level of illumination, you’ll need windows or skylights that allow at least 50% daylight to enter the room at all times, ideally 70%.
Once you’ve made sure your facility meets these minimum requirements, you can also consider other ways to improve your building’s natural lighting and ventilation.
If you are looking for ways to modernize your local medical facility, the above tips can be very helpful. There are many other ways you can modernize your facility. However, for now, following these tips will do.
As your medical facility grows bigger, you can consider bringing in more changes. With time, you’ll also have to update some of the existing facilities you provide.