Hospital signage benefits are most easily seen through the enhanced navigation experience provided for patients, but benefits also come with a multitude of other factors. From bolstering brand identity to reducing administration costs, hospital signage is a growing industry with a continuous supply of new and sophisticated tools that spread hospital communication.
When people think of hospital signage an image of a sign dangling from a hallway ceiling with an ascribed unit and arrow pointing may come to mind. This may be the more traditional form of hospital signage, but with digital signage developing today, there is a vast array of components. In addition to other items, digital signage encompasses: information kiosks, LED message systems and mobile devices.
At its most basic level, hospital signage makes the hospital experience vastly easier to navigate creating a less stressful atmosphere at a time when tensions are running high. Trying to find the correct way to an area in a hospital can be a challenging task. When that hospital has multiple facilities the process becomes even more difficult and a messaging system delivering clear, up-to-date and targeted information eases patients’ and visitors’ journeys.
4 Hospital Signage Benefits
• Differentiate Hospital Brand: By making a hospital visit more seamless it can be a memorable and positive experience. Hospitals also have the opportunity to advertise products, services and upcoming events for patients, visitors and staff.
• Educate Patients: With a digital signage system in place content has the ability to be targeted for patients and visitors per area of the hospital they are waiting and being treated. Patients waiting in the cardiac department could receive heart healthy nutrition tips and food guides supporting a healthy cardio diet displayed through the signage system. Whether entertaining or informing, this content is specifically targeted and aimed at making a difference.
• Smoothes Operations: Interactive kiosks have the capacity for patients to register themselves, fill out new profiles, update their information and set up future visits. This improves efficiency and allows staff to handle more pressing matters.
• ADA Compliance: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a consideration hospitals need to put forth when upgrading their signage systems. Considerations may comprise appropriate wording, so an adult or child could properly navigate the hospital, and whether Braille lettering should be included.
Though not the right fit for every hospital, digital signage possibilities and applications are progressively emerging in the healthcare setting.
James Ellis, CEO, Health Care Realty Development Company, is a nationally recognized successful real estate investor and developer of medical office properties with a comprehensive knowledge of sophisticated real estate transactions, cost effective designs, and efficient property management.
Aaron Razavi is Associate Marketing Director at Health Care Realty Development.
Visit their blog at http://www.hcrealty.com/medicalrealestatedevelopment/
