One challenge with healthcare furnishings is to find a synthesis between the high demands of the venue and aesthetic appeal, as studies show that a comfortable environment is linked to good patient outcomes. Manufacturers and designers are thus making efforts to introduce biophilic elements, bright patterns/colors, and furnishings with a residential feel. Common categories include overbed tables, caregiver stools, bariatric seating, treatment chairs, and sleepover seating. Technology carts and wall stations recognize the needs of providers – speeding up workflow while enhancing ergonomic comfort for doctors and nurses.
Chairs and seating modules with increased weight capacities for use by heavily built people.
Stools, usually mobile and height-adjustable, for use by caregivers during interactions with patients.
Comfortable seating for patients and their families to make the waiting room more welcoming and less stressful. Ideally, healthcare lounges are attractive and spacious with all the functional qualities needed for the venue: antibacterial/antimicrobial finishes, replaceable components, mobile and ganging options, and a wide variety of sizes and styles including single, double, triple, bariatric, and booth.
Chairs with elevated seats that lessen the need for people to lower their bodies into a sitting position.
Mobile, height-adjustable tables/trays that extend over a patient’s bed; may be used for meals, personal items, or caregiver tools.
Chairs that provide adjustable ergonomic support for patients; designed to allow easy access to patients by caregivers.
Cabinets and dressers, often in matching surface treatments, for the storage of patients’ possessions.
Patient-room chairs, for use by patients or guests, with reclining backs and adjustable footrests.
Chairs with rockers or gliding mechanisms that allow easy, healthful movement.
Sofas or settees in patient rooms that can fold out to provide a place for guests to recline and sleep; storage drawers/compartments are often included.
Carts, usually with lockable casters and height adjustability, and cabinets, either mobile or stationary, that support and/or transport laptops, PCs, flat-screen monitors, keyboards, and CPUs.
Wall-attached products that support computer stations for shared use among clincians. May be height-adjustable.
Adjustable chairs, usually with reclining backs and adjustable footrests, that allow caregivers to position patients for treatment.
