Clinics By Design

Interior Design

Interior Design in Myotherapy

Interiror design in myotherapy - Clinics by Design


When it comes to interior design within Myotherapy comfort is key.

Whether your clinic offers myotherapy treatments only or you are sharing a tenancy with other allied services, such as physiotherapists, it is imperative you get the design of your own space right from the very beginning.

Not only will this create a comfortable and warm environment for your patients to visit, easing any tension they may have about their appointment, it will also provide your staff with the type of clinical space they can work seamlessly and efficiently in order to give your patients the best possible experience.

Comfort within a medical environment starts from the moment your patients walk through the front door, so whether you are looking for a new tenancy or want to renovate your existing clinic there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration when combining your location with your new myotherapy interior design.

Easy access to your clinic is absolutely a requirement. Given you are seeing patients with an array of different injuries it is imperative that everyone can enter and exit your clinic in a dignified manner.

If you are looking to renovate an existing clinic you should already have the required ramp access into the building but if you are starting from scratch this is something that will need to be looked into. It is a good idea to get yourself familiar with the commercial ramp guidelines in order to get a good understanding of what is required for your clinic.

Along with this, if your clinic is located above ground floor lift access will need to be available if it isn’t already.

Once your patients are in the door you want the reception and waiting area to be a warm, inviting space that is easy to navigate. There is nothing worse than walking into a building and having no idea where it is you need to go. Place your reception desk and amenities as close to the entry as possible or ensure you have clear signage in cases where the reception and amenities are located away from the entrance in order to make everyone’s life a little easier.

Once registered there are a few little things that can be incorporated into your myotherapy interior design that will make your patients wait a little more comfortable.

Items such as self-serve filtered water stations for patients that might be feeling anxious or had to exert some additional energy getting themselves to your clinic and seating options to suit different bodies and injuries can make a huge difference.

Access to reading material on the treatments and services you provide can also be a benefit to patients, especially new ones that have never been to a myotherapy session before. Not only will this give them some kind of understanding of what to expect during their appointment it may also be informative to learn of the other services and/or treatments you can provide.

Once in the consultation room it is advisable to have an area separate to the treatment bed in which patients can place clothing and sit once their appointment is over in order to discuss treatment plans etc. This can be something as simple as a visitors chair placed next to or across from you at your desk.

Depending on the size of your consultation room you may also want to have an additional chair for any family members that may be there to accompany the patient at their appointment.

One other little extra you may like to include is the availability of mirrors in all rooms along with complimentary make up wipes, hair ties and even single use deodorant for patients who may be attending an appointment on their lunch break and would like to go back to work without the worry of smudged make up and messy hair due to lying on a table for an extended period of time.

 

Not only do your consultation/ treatment rooms need to be comfortable for your patients but also for yourself and your staff. Make sure you have considered everything you and your staff may need and where things need to be positioned in order to make every session as efficient as possible.

Joinery and positioning of beds etc. are essential items to get right in the early design process and can make a huge difference once you start practicing.

As you can see, through proper planning and good design creating a comfortable, inviting and well-functioning clinic is simple.

Finding Comfort in Myotherapy


When it comes to interior design within Myotherapy comfort is key.

Whether your clinic offers only myotherapy treatments or you are sharing a tenancy with other allied services, such as physiotherapists, it is imperative you get the design of your own space right from the very beginning.

Not only will this create a comfortable and warm environment for your patients to visit, easing any tension they may have about their appointment, it will also provide your staff with the type of clinical space they can work seamlessly and efficiently in order to give your patients the best possible experience.

Comfort within a medical environment starts from the moment your patients walk through the front door, so whether you are looking for a new tenancy or want to renovate your existing clinic there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration when combining your location with your new myotherapy interior design.

Easy access to your clinic is absolutely a requirement. Given you are seeing patients with an array of different injuries it is imperative that everyone can enter and exit your clinic in a dignified manner.

If you are looking to renovate an existing clinic you should already have the required ramp access into the building but if you are starting from scratch this is something that will need to be looked into. It is a good idea to get yourself familiar with the commercial ramp guidelines in order to get a good understanding of what is required for your clinic.

Along with this, if your clinic is located above ground floor lift access will need to be available if it isn’t already.

Once your patients are in the door you want the reception and waiting area to be a warm, inviting space that is easy to navigate. There is nothing worse than walking into a building and having no idea where it is you need to go. Place your reception desk and amenities as close to the entry as possible or ensure you have clear signage in cases where the reception and amenities are located away from the entrance in order to make everyone’s life a little easier.

Once registered there are a few little things that can be incorporated into your myotherapy interior design that will make your patients wait a little more comfortable?

Items such as self-serve filtered water stations for patients that might be feeling anxious or had to exert some additional energy getting themselves to your clinic and seating options to suit different bodies and injuries can make a huge difference.

Access to reading material on the treatments and services you provide can also be a benefit to patients, especially new ones that have never been to a myotherapy session before. Not only will this give them some kind of understanding of what to expect during their appointment it may also be informative to learn of the other services and/or treatments you can provide.

Once in the consultation room it is advisable to have an area separate to the treatment bed in which patients can place clothing and sit once their appointment is over in order to discuss treatment plans etc. This can be something as simple as a visitors chair placed next to or across from you at your desk.

Depending on the size of your consultation room you may also want to have an additional chair for any family members that may be there to accompany the patient at their appointment.

One other little extra you may like to include is the availability of mirrors in all rooms along with complimentary make up wipes, hair ties and even single use deodorant for patients who may be attending an appointment on their lunch break and would like to go back to work without the worry of smudged make up and messy hair due to lying on a table for an extended period of time.

Not only do your consultation/ treatment rooms need to be comfortable for your patients but also for yourself and your staff. Make sure you have considered everything you and your staff may need and where things need to be positioned in order to make every session as efficient as possible.

Joinery and positioning of beds etc. are essential items to get right in the early design process and can make a huge difference once you start practicing.

As you can see, through proper planning and good design creating a comfortable, inviting and well-functioning clinic is simple.

Interior Design in Dentistry

The interior design aspect of you new dental Fitout is an important one.

Not only does it create the first impression when your patients walk through the front door it also creates a feeling for that patient during their appointment.

We all want to feel comfortable during any medical appointment and unfortunately I don’t know too many people that look forward to a trip to the dentist, no matter how nice they are!

There are certain things that can be done from an interior design point of view in order to make your dental Fitout give off a feeling of comfort from the moment a patient walks through he door.

Accessible Amenities –

When you are talking about medical environments, easily accessible amenities are extremely important.

By positioning your amenities, or at least easy to view amenity signage, within view of the waiting area is a great way to put patients at ease. There is something about knowing where the toilets are located that makes you feel comfortable should you need to go.

Not only is this a benefit to patients but it also gives staff the opportunity to keep an eye on peoples movements.

 

Safety within the clinic is imperative and therefore it is a good idea to have any patients that aren’t in a consultation within view of reception staff to make sure no-one is wandering around the clinic, therefore, reducing the risk of anyone getting into any areas they shouldn’t be such as dispensaries or staff rooms where personal belongings are kept.

Intelligent Seating –

  Waiting rooms can sometimes be the place you spend the bulk of your time during a medical appointment and therefore it is important to make your waiting room as comfortable as possible.

By providing something as simple as alternating chairs with arms/ no arms within your dental Fitout you are catering for a variety of people and ensuring everyone has a comfortable seat while they wait.

Spacing, as we know, has also become an issue with the current Covid-19 restrictions so steering away from shared sofas is advisable.

In saying that, we are still seeing a lot of bench seating which is not only a great space saving option but also has the ability to cater for the current regulations.

By placing stickers on the seats you do not want occupied you are providing the required spacing but you know you will always have that additional seating again once restrictions ease.

Floorplans that Work –

Getting your dental clinic floor plan right from the beginning is imperative to your clinic running smoothly.

The sizing of rooms and things such as placement of chairs in those rooms can heavily impact the efficiency of your day, not only for you but also for your nurses and administration staff. 

Although it may seem like a good idea to fit as many rooms into your dental Fitout as possible, in order to take on additional dentists, you also need to take space into consideration and how much you and your nursing staff will really need in order to undertake their daily tasks comfortably.

Obviously good hygiene in any medical setting should be the number one priority on your list and the layout of your sterilisation areas need to be set out properly.

Clean and dirty areas need to be clearly marked and systems put into place to avoid any chance of cross contamination. This way you are keeping everyone safe.

Lighting or coloured vinyl strips that show green and red are a simple yet extremely effective way of defining clean and dirty areas.

Colour Your Mood –

We speak about colour a lot in our blogs as it is a powerful thing. It can change moods, enhance emotions and create certain feelings.

Using colour creatively within your new dental Fitout is a simple way to create a sense of calm and comfort within your clinic and can be incorporated in so many ways.

Paint and flooring (vinyl, carpet etc) are the most common ways to get some colour into your Fitout but you can also get creative by incorporating colours into your furniture (upholstery), joinery (laminate) and signage.

These simple considerations can play a huge role in the way your clinic runs and how it makes your patients feel.

Psychology and Interior Design

When it comes to design within medial facilities that offer services such as psychological treatment interior design elements are more important than you think.

Although we may not realise it our environment has the ability to affect our emotions and general well-being which is why it is important to get it right from the get go when designing in a psychological environment.

There are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to mental health clients and it is of the upmost importance that patients are made to feel comfortable from the second they walk in the door of your clinic. 

Do: 

Put time into selecting your waiting/ consult room furniture

Not only should your seating be comfortable but it also needs to be practical. 

 

An easy way to make sure everyone gets a seat that is comfortable for them (and their body) is to alternate with the option of arms and no arms, this gives additional space on some chairs and additional leverage support to others.

 

Research Colour

Colour plays a huge role in medical settings and are an integral part of any clinic. Shades of blue and green are said to be both productive and calming whereas colours such as red or orange can be seen as aggressive and not appropriate within a clinic setting. 

 

Understand the light

Natural light gives any space the feeling of brightness, openness and warmth so try to make sure windows are free of drawn blinds or dark drapes within waiting and consult rooms where possible. 

Artificial light also plays it’s part within a clinic setting. Adjustable lighting that can be catered to your patients preference ensures they are comfortable and at ease during their appointment. 

 

A good distraction

 Sometimes certain topics or discussions may bring up feelings of vulnerability to a patient and therefore  requires the need for a quick break. By providing positive distractions such as colourful artwork, an area away from the consulting room or even toys can give your patient the few minutes they may need in order to continue their session in a positive manner. 

 

Don’t:

 Create clutter

Try to keep your reception/ waiting area and consult rooms as spacious as possible. An untidy space can cause a sense of anxiousness for a lot of people as can a space that seems closed in due to clutter. You want your patients to feel comfortable when they walk into your clinic, not have a  sense of being trapped. 

 

Restrict movement

When it comes to selecting waiting and consult room seating it is important to make sure the style is right. Where possible do not use fixed seating, you want your patients to have the freedom of moving their chair around when they feel the need. Also try to keep a sense of similarity in the chairs patients are sitting on and you, as the therapist, are using to give the sense that you are both equal. 

 

In saying that though there are a couple of things to be cautious of. Try to select chairs with sled bases instead of legs. If a circumstance arises where a patient is aggravated you do not want to give them the option of turning their chair into a weapon. 

 

Be unavailable.

Neglected waiting rooms with no available receptionist on arrival can give the feeling that the expected level of care may not be there. When designing your psychology clinic layout make sure  any shared reception and admin areas are open plan where possible so there is always someone in view to greet anyone walking in the door. 

As this type of medical environment requires understanding, compassion and trust a beautiful, relaxing and tranquil environment can help immensely and it is well worth putting the additional time and money into creating the perfect practice for not only your patients but also you and your staff. 

Roughing It

spiral Stairs interior design - Clinics by Design


In a world where technology reins supreme it can be exciting to see raw, natural elements being utilised indoors as a main interior feature. 

Slick is definitely the word when it comes to the devises we rely so heavily on in order to perform our daly tasks.
 

This article by Yellowtrace showcases some extremely beautiful ‘cave like’ interiors 

https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/meet-the-flintstones-contemporary-cave-like-interiors/

 

Article by Yellowtrace

Photo by Fran Parente 

Fig Facial Bar Vancouver by Scott & Scott Architects


Emerald green, Terazzo and a facial……….could it get any better?

Fig Facial Bar in Vancouver by Scott & Scott Architects.

Renovating with a Full House

Sometimes it is not possible to completely shut up shop while doing small renovations to your clinic which means you have the issue of staff working in amongst all the excitement.

 

In order to keep your staff sane during this time there are a couple of things to consider……

Quality Contractor

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety of your staff is to make sure you have appointed a high quality medical fit out specialist.

 

It is important that the fit out company you are dealing with are completely up to date with all of the current codes, OH&S standards and always have a first aider on site while works are taking place.

 

Registers of all trades coming on site should be a standard item along with any induction paperwork required.

Removal of Staff

If it is possible for certain staff members to work from home this is probably the best place for them while works are taking place. Not only will it free up some space for trades to come in and out (whether it is within the premises itself or in the carpark) but it will also provide staff with the option of working away from any noise or interruptions which can increase efficiency.

Prepare

Preparation is key. Make sure you have any clutter removed from the areas that require work so time is not wasted by trades moving items around and you don’t have the worry of anything being damaged.

Communicate

As with anything communication in the workplace is essential. Make sure your staff are completely aware of not only the type of works taking place but where and when they will be taking place to avoid any surprises, such as the staff room being closed at lunchtime or the relocation of communal items.

Visualise

It can be hard to accept change when something has been the same for so long. Us humans are creatures of habit and to some even a small refurbishment can be a hard adjustment when you are used to things being the way they are.

 

One good way to get staff members excited about your new look is to put a mood board up showcasing the finishes, colours and imagery of furniture so they can start to visualise their new surroundings. This is something that can easily be supplied by your interior designer.

 

What to Look for in Safety Flooring

Flooring is an important aspect of any fit out and safety flooring is imperative in any medical environment.

In a space which is prone to frequent cleaning and the odd spill here and there you need to make sure your safety flooring is actually what is says it is…..safe!

Below are some key points to keep in mind when selecting safety flooring:

Make sure the vinyl or tile selected has a rough surface. Anything that is smooth will quickly become slippery increasing the risk of falls


Be sure that any vinyl flooring specified has achieved a sustainable result of 36+ in the Pendulum Slip Test for slip resistance tested in wet conditions


Make sure your specified flooring isn’t chosen soley on R ratings, these ratings apply to new surfaces only and do not demonstrate any longevity when it comes to the floor coverings slip resistance


Have a chat to your fit out company so they can help you understand the importance of safety flooring and which options are right for you.

What to Consider When Setting Up

As you are probably well aware, there are numerous things that you need to consider before signing a lease or purchasing a property in order to start up your new medical, dental or veterinary clinic.

Here are a few things that we raise with potential clients when discussing their new practice and interior design requirements.

Location – Research the area. Not only do you want to make sure you aren’t setting up next door to an already well established competitor you also want to make sure you are easily accessible to some form of public transport. Are there parking restrictions and is there any on-site parking already available? As this may flag a town planning application.


Future Growth: Where do you see your business in 5 years time? Is the size of the tenancy sufficient for the future?


Interior Colour Scheme: You want your practice to be a warm, welcoming yet professional environment. Incorporate more of a neutral colour palette for your initial design and then add a few brightly coloured items (you may want to tie in with your corporate colours), in the form of a feature wall or signage. This way it is easier to update your practice interiors in the future without spending a fortune.


Breakout Space: Another area that tends to get overlooked is the importance of a break out space for staff members. This doesn’t have to be a large space as such, just somewhere that can fit a table, chairs and room for staff to enjoy their lunch or a coffee on their break. Research shows that when you provide your staff with a good quality working environment you can improve staff performance by up to 40% – in other words it can be the little things that make a big difference to your staff and their productivity levels.