Nursing

Looks matter when it comes to your facility

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, June 21, 2007

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When it comes to the appearance and overall productivity habits of your facility, a patient's first impression could be his or her last. Sloppy paperwork and an unkempt office can make it appear as though you don't care about professional appearance. There are aspects of a hospital's physical appearance that will quickly make or break whether a patient decides to do business with you. They include the following:

  • Office signage. The signage on the building is vitally important and should never be taken for granted. If it is difficult to find the facility, patients may cancel appointments and not come back.
  • Waiting room. The waiting room says a lot about your hospital. A dirty carpet, worn chairs, and outdated magazines will give patients the wrong impression. The carpets should be clean and free of stains and dirt. Chairs should be clean and comfortable.
  • Exam room. Exam rooms also need to be clean, comfortable, clutter-free, and warm. Place baskets or a wall mount with various magazines in them in exam rooms to occupy patients while they wait.
  • Patient restroom. Patient restrooms must be kept impeccably clean and well-stocked with toilet tissue, paper towels, and a soap dispenser. Consider installing a hand sanitizer dispenser as well. The restroom should be checked several times a day by a staff member.

To get more information, go to The Doctor's Office (TDO). For the cost of just three stories, you can get the entire June issue of TDO. Click here to choose between the PDF and HTML versions for just $30. Subscribers to the online version of TDO have free access to this article. Subscribers to the print newsletter can find this article in their June issue.



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