The lessons of last year and the rise in COVID patient care nationwide at the start of 2021 leads hospitals and other medical facilities to search for ways to maintain clean and safe environments for patients and guests. Viruses and other pathogens are living organisms that change and continue to spread for their survival. What does not change is the healthcare lifestyle and standard of care. Design trends that adhere to diligent cleaning protocols and maintenance of healthcare surfaces will be the popular trends with those who dispense care and those who receive care.
1. Envision a new space
Waiting rooms of today are no longer filled with rows of chairs pressed together arm to arm and back-to-back and it is doubtful you will see that design in the waiting room of the future. Significant spacing is a trend that is being incorporated into the design of waiting spaces and throughout medical centers. Furniture that is thoughtfully placed to provide the right amount of spacing for social distancing and to create better traffic flow will help keep patients and visitors separated and comfortable. Kwalu’s furniture solutions are designed with the future in mind, allowing for the optimal and safe use of any healthcare space. Our designs are engineered for the future of healthcare.
2. Consider new surfaces
The trend in healthcare design post-COVID will no longer focus on high touch problem surfaces in healthcare spaces. As patients are being moved out of the waiting areas quickly, turnover increases, meaning more people will sit in that chair. Healthcare lobbies and waiting rooms need surfaces that are able to withstand deep frequent cleaning. Fabrics and surfaces must be able to stand up to harsh cleaners as well.
3. Focus on fresh air
Clean air is a must in medical environments. Hospitals and medical offices are moving with all deliberate speed to install and upgrade their air filtration systems to make sure the air is virtually germ free. In addition to lobby waiting areas, it is also good to have several outdoor wait spaces for visitors and staff. Furniture selections in these areas, where fresh air is abundant, are weather resistant and easily cleaned. Select lounge chairs and tables in healing gardens and benches placed along garden paths. Look to Kwalu to keep your healthcare facility in tune with burgeoning healthcare design trends in 2021.