Healthcare settings are full of different types of signage, from directional signs to health and safety recommendations. The various messages must be clear and simple yet informative to keep the patients informed and positive about their experiences.
Printed VS Digital Signage
Within most healthcare settings, printed signage is the most popular form of signage as it is cheap, easy to install and easy to maintain. However, as providers embrace the digital age there has been a rise in digital signage. Digital signage is becoming more affordable and effective therefore is an increasingly popular upgrade for hospitals.
Printed signage is traditionally for simple, static messages such as directions, healthcare posters and health and safety protocols. In places such as clinics or busy departments, digital signage can be employed to display evolving messages such as department wait times, health news updates, reminder messages or even entertainment.
In what ways is signage used in hospital settings?
If you consider the user experience, their journey generally starts in the car park as they enter. Many hospitals have certain parking areas for different departments so having a clear direction board as close to the entrance but at a safe distance from the road is key. Equally, if there are designated staff-only parking spaces then these need to be signposted as clearly as possible to avoid confusion and spaces being taken up incorrectly.
If there is a national or regional health drive, the type of signage used will be different. For example, as flu season approaches you may want to commission some roller banners to stand in key locations and departments and remind people that you can get free boosters if you are eligible. This is an effective way of making sure people remember to get their flu vaccines.
Hospitals can be huge spaces, so directional signage either overhead or on a large board inside is paramount. By clearly marking the entrances, exits, key departments and any amenities such as a café or lift, the stress level of the patient will be reduced and help to keep departments running on time rather than chasing after lost people.
In certain departments, having a digital screen displaying waiting times would be very helpful. If a patient is sat in a blood test clinic, having a rough waiting time will prevent them from getting agitated about how long they have been waiting. As much as these screens can be informative, you may wish to have entertainment on them as well, such as the news headlines or the weather.
Safety protocols need to be displayed clearly so that everyone visiting knows what is expected of them. If a one-way system is in place it may be worth doubling the signage to include stickers on the floor as well as the walls or hanging overhead. Having bright signage above hand washing stations is helpful as the bright colours draw the eye in and remind people to follow the hygiene rules.
Read Also
- Teaching the Next Generation: Lessons for Young Doctors Entering the ER
Walking into an emergency room for the first time as a young physician is unforgettable. The lights are bright, the pace is fast, and the stakes are high. For those fresh out of residency or medical school, it can feel like being dropped into the middle of a storm. That’s why mentorship matters so much… Read more: Teaching the Next Generation: Lessons for Young Doctors Entering the ER - How to Drive Growth Through Customer Centricity in HealthcareThe world of healthcare is changing in big ways. Consumers are now stepping up and taking charge of their health journeys. This change is happening now for important reasons. The U.S. health and wellness market is huge, projected to be over $6 trillion in 2025. This growth is fueled by rising out-of-pocket costs and more… Read more: How to Drive Growth Through Customer Centricity in Healthcare
- Maximizing Digital Reach for Podiatry Clinics in Local HealthcareMaximizing Digital Reach for Podiatry Clinics in Local Healthcare As the healthcare industry evolves, mobile marketing becomes indispensable for practitioners. Podiatry clinics, focusing on foot and ankle care, must adapt to digital strategies to engage patients effectively. Implementing tailored SEO practices is crucial for these clinics to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Digital marketing… Read more: Maximizing Digital Reach for Podiatry Clinics in Local Healthcare
- Leveraging Virtual Medical Assistants to Maximize Operational Efficiency in HealthcareIn the increasingly complex and fast-paced world of healthcare, operational efficiency is critical. Doctors and healthcare administrators are faced with numerous challenges, from managing patient scheduling and medical billing to adhering to stringent regulatory compliance and insurance claims processing. These tasks, while essential, often divert time and resources away from the core mission of providing… Read more: Leveraging Virtual Medical Assistants to Maximize Operational Efficiency in Healthcare
- Optimizing CT Protocols: The Hidden Key to Efficiency and Cost Savings in RadiologyIntroduction: Why CT Protocol Optimization Matters Computed Tomography (CT) is a cornerstone of modern diagnostic imaging, providing critical information across nearly every medical specialty. However, maximizing the value of CT — both clinically and financially — requires more than just advanced hardware. The real secret lies in the optimization of CT protocols. When CT protocols… Read more: Optimizing CT Protocols: The Hidden Key to Efficiency and Cost Savings in Radiology
- Hospital Discharge Accuracy Improves With Daily Advisor InvolvementThe hospital discharge process has a big effect on patient recovery, hospital efficiency, and finances. It requires careful planning and clear communication between team members to make sure patients get the right care when they leave the hospital. Having physician advisors involved at this stage can improve the discharge process by spotting problems that need… Read more: Hospital Discharge Accuracy Improves With Daily Advisor Involvement
