When it comes to fitting out your practice, chances are you’re on top of selecting the right equipment and technology you need to diagnose, treat and care for your patients.

However, many practices are also fit-out with a range of “added-extras” that can enhance patient experience and staff satisfaction.

Hang on…a coffee machine? Really? Is that necessary?

Every practice is different and needs, or chooses, to cater to different requirements. For some, keeping children occupied in the waiting room is essential. For others, ensuring staff are well caffeinated is a top priority!

At the heart of this decision lies an important consideration – what is your competitive advantage or element of distinction? In today’s crowded marketplace, don’t underestimate the link between giving people a reason to talk about your practice and filling your appointment book.

We’ve compiled a list of “added-extra” ideas for you to consider for your practice – and you can determine what’s necessary, nice-to-have, or not required. But it may help to ask yourself:

How will this item create better care for my patients and/or staff? What does my practice need to create a pleasant and functional workplace? Is there any return on investment of these items?

The Waiting Room

Water cooler Magazines Television Comfortable furnishing Umbrella stand Wifi Children’s toy box and/or play area (there are many benefits to being child-friendly including creating a comfortable setting for children who may be anxious about their doctor’s visit, minimizing parental stress, and reducing disruption to other patients in the waiting room)

Reception

Mobile and online payment options Online scheduling Lolly jar Sales area (for example, it may make sense for a physiotherapist to sell a number of items that aid in a patient’s recovery and strength building) Uniforms for staff Clipboard or iPad for new patient registration

Bathroom

Disabled access Hand cream Children’s toilet Stool for the vertically challenged (or just for the kids!) Baby change table

 Staff room

Microwave Kettle Coffee machine Fridge Coat hanging area Lockers or a place for your staff to store their valuables Fruit and nibbles (anything to get through the 3pm slump)

 Decorations

Visual aids on the walls (this includes anything from art to doctors certificates to health diagrams, or event creative wall paper!) Natural light and good quality lighting Seasonal decorations A fish tank

At the end of the day, you decide what will best suit your working environment and we are by no means saying you have to have all of the above. However,  if you’d like a bit of advice with regard to fitting out your practice, we’re more than happy to chat it through with you. Perhaps over a latte from our coffee machine.

Interested in learning more? Contact us to see how we can help

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