Medical offices, community health centers, hospitals and other healthcare facilities need multi-purpose furniture pieces that benefit the patient and provider. The right furniture makes patients more comfortable and relaxed while supporting providers as they work.
The furnishings – from chairs in the waiting room to cabinets in the exam rooms –
should reflect professionalism and dedication. More than ever, healthcare facilities also need adaptable furniture to fit ever-changing needs. The International Journal of Health Technology and Innovation said hospital furniture is crucial to any healthcare system.
“Hospital furniture is a necessary and important part of any healthcare system. It can make or break the quality care patients receive while hospitalized, so its design must be top-notch,” the authors said.
Indeed, quality furnishings of all kinds are necessary in all healthcare settings, not just hospitals. Before investing in medical furniture, remember the following tips:
1. Determine what’s best for your needs
In choosing furniture, think about the wide variety of people who will be using the pieces, including children, the elderly and bariatric patients. Some of the fundamental elements include:
Exam tables are a staple of any exam room and come in various configurations. They must be durable and solid so patients feel safe and secure on them.
- Treatment tables are among the most basic type of exam tables, with a flat padded surface covered in medical-grade vinyl and, in some cases, an area for storage.
- Adjustable back exam tables allow for a supine or seated position for safe and comfortable medical treatment.
- Cabinet exam tables combine the convenience of an exam table and storage area to save space and make medical supplies more accessible.
- Recovery tables are lower to the ground and include a padded headrest for patient comfort.
Like exam tables, beds and lounges are designed to keep patients comfortable while giving medical professionals a comfortable working area.
- Plasma and blood donor beds and lounges provide comfortable support for blood donors and others undergoing longer treatments.
- Portable donor beds are lightweight and durable for easy transport.
- Height-adjustable beds are easily raised or lowered for treatment.
- Chairs
Chairs of all kinds are used in medical offices for patient and provider comfort.
- Phlebotomy chairs create ergonomically correct seating for optimal blood draws.
- Stools and benches provide alternate seating options in waiting rooms, exam rooms and offices.
- Cabinets and carts
Healthcare offices use lockable and non-lockable cabinets and carts to store medical supplies, medications, office equipment, medical records and other items that help daily operations.
- Supply cabinets can be mobile (on wheels) or stationary for proper storage.
- Carts help caregivers move computers, printers, phlebotomy supplies and medical equipment from room to room.
2. Remember important factors for your decision
When purchasing medical furniture, keep some elements in mind for the best decision:
Ensure the furniture is designed to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe from injury or harm.
With hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people using an individual piece of furniture throughout its lifetime, the item must be well-made and long-lasting.
Tables, chairs and beds should meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and bariatric accommodation requirements.
Furniture pieces should be manufactured with infection control in mind since bacteria thrive in cracks and crevices.
- Functionality and aesthetics
Studies show interior design, including medical furniture choices, plays a significant role in healthcare outcomes. The product performance (functionality) and aesthetics (look and feel) can aid in patient recovery.
Furniture manufactured to meet patient and provider requirements and created using evidence-based design practices helps with successful patient outcomes.
3. Purchase from a trusted company
For more than 35 years, Custom Comfort Medtek has been designing and manufacturing healthcare furniture that exceeds expectations. Many pieces include hand-welded and powder-coated steel frames and are customizable with more than 30 shades of medical-grade vinyl and 25 wood laminates. Since Custom Comfort Medtek’s furniture is sold factory-direct, customers can modify safety and comfort features to meet their specific needs.
Other options and considerations for Custom Comfort Medtek’s furniture pieces include:
- Pneumatic reclining
- Powerlifting
- Heavy-duty locking/swivel casters on mobile units
- Bariatric sizing
- Power and manual height adjustment
- Easily available replacement parts
About Custom Comfort Medtek
Custom Comfort Medtek has been manufacturing specialty medical furniture and related products since 1987. Located in Central Florida, the company prides itself on designing products to meet a variety of clinical needs for customers worldwide. Visit the Custom Comfort Medtek website to request a digital catalog or contact the company directly at 800-749-0933.
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