The interior design of medical practices and centers is a complex subject to address, as it involves a variety of issues related not only to the aesthetics and layout of the furnishings, but also includes the choice of the most suitable materials, the study of the layout and operation of certain machinery, if applicable, and the detailed study of the electrical system in accordance with specific regulations.
It’s important to distinguish between a medical office and a clinic. A medical office is the place where a healthcare professional carries out their professional activity; it has no independent legal status, and professional activity takes precedence over entrepreneurial activity. A medical clinic, on the other hand, is a healthcare facility with its own unique characteristics and organization, where entrepreneurial activity takes precedence over individual activity, partly due to the complexity of the structure and the equipment used.
A further classification of medical practices is defined by current legislation: CEI Standard 64-8/7; V2 section 710 “Premises for medical use”, which divides them into three groups:
- Group 0 medical rooms, in which electromedical equipment with parts applied to the patient is not used (massage rooms, general medical practices in which electromedical equipment is not used, consultation offices).
- Group 1 medical rooms, in which electromedical equipment with parts applied to the patient is used (ECG (electrocardiography), EEG (electroencephalography), EHG (electrohysterography) room, Endoscopic room, Medical clinics, Urology room, Radiological diagnostics and radiotherapy room, Physiotherapy room, Hemodialysis, MRI, Nuclear Medicine room).
- Group 2 medical rooms, in which electromedical equipment with parts applied to the patient is used, intended for use in intracardiac interventions or surgical operations (Anesthesia room, Surgery room, Surgical Casting room * Surgical clinics, Preparation and Awakening rooms, Room for Intensive Care, Angiographic Examinations, Haemodynamic Examinations).
Architecturally, the layout of both businesses is designed in the same way, taking into account the different functional needs.
Designing a medical office
When you begin to imagine and design a medical office, it’s important to remember that the space must reflect its functional nature through the layout of its rooms and furnishings: taking into account both the visual and practical aspects of the work environment.
The first step is therefore to analyze the structure as a whole, initially establishing the functions of each individual space. It will certainly be necessary to identify the following areas:
- Identify a reception/acceptance area;
- Define a waiting area for patients
- Identify the space dedicated to the clinic or clinics, depending on the size of the building and in relation to each activity carried out within it;
The reception area in a medical office
The patient reception and check-in area is the first thing you see when entering a practice, so it’s important that it’s not only located near the entrance, but also have a pleasant and inviting feel. It’s important to carefully consider the lighting in this area: it should be bright and bold, making a good impression on the patient. To accentuate the play of light, it can be helpful to use linear, white furnishings. When choosing furniture for this area of the medical practice, functionality and practicality are key. Choosing a desk rather than a reception desk should ensure a positive and appropriate relationship between the receptionists and the patient. It should also allow for the receptionists to be sheltered, ensuring privacy. In addition to the desk, storage units and sufficient space for work tools are essential.
The waiting room of a doctor’s office
The waiting room should be connected to the previous area. It should include comfortable seating to make the wait less stressful. In addition to seating, it’s a good idea to consider including an area dedicated to coffee machines and beverage dispensers. This can be separated from the rest of the waiting room by simple dividers to create the appropriate separation between the different functions. Since it also connects to the reception area, it should have the same finishes and colors to create a uniform and visually pleasing overall environment.
The layout of a doctor’s office’s outpatient departments
Depending on the size and type of medical office, there may be one or more rooms designated for the clinic. These spaces must be large enough to accommodate all the essential equipment needed for the practice. Regardless of the type of practice, two pieces of furniture must be available: a desk, capable of holding a computer, and a treatment table, necessary for the practice, whether it’s a medium-sized practice or a dental practice. The minimum floor area for these rooms must be no less than 9 square meters, and the height must be no less than 2.7 meters. Lighting also plays a key role in this regard, and will vary depending on the specialty practiced there. There are cases where dim, subdued lighting is necessary, while bright lighting is needed to allow the doctor to work optimally.
In addition to the spaces described, there are further areas to consider and design: storage space, any changing rooms for staff, and restrooms for both staff and patients.
Studying the flow of people in a medical office
A second issue to address when designing a medical office is related to managing the flow of people within it: patients, doctors, and staff. To avoid interference between these various flows, different solutions can be adopted:
- Consider diversifying the routes by opting for separate and dedicated corridors, one for patients and one for staff;
- Design the various rooms to be interconnected, that is, with doors that connect the various offices and allow for the direct exchange of information between staff. However, this solution is only feasible if there is only one activity for the entire building, such as a dental office. It also has the disadvantage of compromising patient privacy.
- Space permitting, the optimal solution is for the various clinics to overlook the waiting and reception area, or alternatively, a clear separation between the waiting area and the clinic area, using automatic doors that can only be opened by staff or from within the clinic area.
The choice of materials in the design of medical offices
Choosing the right materials, combining both technical and regulatory requirements, is essential to the design. For furniture and accessories, it’s best to use durable, easy-to-clean metal, or alternatively wood. Neutral colors are preferred, as they best convey a sense of hygiene and cleanliness. The same goes for the waiting room and reception area. The same principle of hygiene and cleanliness applies to wall and floor finishes: using washable paints is an excellent way to keep the walls of clinics clean and tidy, while for flooring, porcelain stoneware or resin are ideal, as they’re easy to clean and sanitize, but above all, durable and non-slip.
CEI regulations for medical practices
All medical facilities are covered by the CEI 64-8 Standard, Part 710, which came into force in 2001. This standard covers electrical systems and their verification. This applies especially to facilities in Groups 1 and 2, in order to ensure minimum safety levels are periodically verified by a qualified technician.
As we’ve seen, medical facility design is a vast and complex field that encompasses a variety of disciplines. It’s therefore important to rely on industry professionals who can guide clients toward the proper layout of the spaces, in accordance with design and regulatory standards.