Setting up a pediatric facility is similar to setting up a healthcare facility for adults, but you must consider several major differences. Keep these tips in mind while shopping for furniture and accessories for pediatric exam rooms and waiting areas. Patients and parents will be happy you did!
Safety First
Safety is the most important factor to consider when purchasing any furniture for a healthcare facility, especially when it’s for pediatric use. Remember that children are much less predictable than adults, and take special measures to support the safety of children of all ages your facility sees, whether that be infants, toddlers, young children, or young adults. For example, exam tables and scales should include safety rails to prevent falling, and furniture edges should be rounded and pinch-proof to prevent injury. Consider soft seating in the waiting area to prevent injury and keep kids comfy while waiting.
Well-Designed Exam Tables and Chairs
Specialty pediatric tables are designed small to accommodate children comfortably. In addition to their small size, pediatric exam tables can also have special features such as integrated scales, rails, and fun aesthetics. Pediatric exam furniture should be easy for children to get onto and also make it easy for caregivers to do their work. Don't forget your pediatric doctor stools!
Fun and Light-Hearted Design
Pediatric healthcare furniture should include fun designs that will make children feel more at ease at the doctor’s office. Fun wall decals, soft furniture, and themed exam tables and phlebotomy chairs make it seem a little less scary and can vastly improve the experience for the patient, the parents, and the caregivers. Phlebotomy chairs with fun designs make shots less scary, providing a positive distraction so caregivers can do their jobs.
Waiting Rooms on Another Scale
Like everything else in your pediatric facility, you should include kid-size waiting room furniture so children can use it. You may want to include loveseats and sofas that will allow children and parents to sit in the same chair. No matter what seating you choose, go with something easily cleaned, such as vinyl upholstered seating in the sitting area and resin or hard plastic chairs in the play area. This furniture should also be durable to ensure it won’t wear down and become unsafe for your patients and guests.
Parental Guidance
Not only do you need to accommodate the children who visit your pediatric facility, but you also need to consider the needs of their parents. Waiting areas and exam rooms should be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, and parents should have a clear view of their children at all times, whether their child is in the play area of your waiting room or the exam room.
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