Healthcare spaces affect people’s attitudes and behaviors and how they relate to each other, whether it be a patient or clinician or family member, according to an article on the FacilityCare website. That is why spaces need to be designed around that human factor.
Most exam rooms are intimidating environments that lack spaces for patients to comfortably undress or store their belongings. Exam tables put patients at a different level than the physician and most rooms don't have space for family.
With a different design, the exam room can support positive changes in healthcare, the article said.
For instance, not every appointment requires an exam table. When a recliner replaces the exam table, patients are in a more empowered posture.