Creating a Comfortable and Efficient Exam Room Layout

Exam rooms can be used for everything from medical procedures to massages and from ultrasounds to facials. Whether you manage a small medical practice or a growing salon and spa, the functionality of these rooms is probably high on your priority list.

The exam room layout is dictated by many factors, including size and budget, and careful planning and measuring are needed to ensure the room can be used comfortably for both the patient and client as well as the provider.

Check out our useful tips below for creating a comfortable and efficient exam room layout.

Measurements Matter

Before you purchase exam chairs and other equipment for your office, take careful measurements of the space, paying close attention to door clearances. Make a note of existing electrical hookups or spaces where you may need to add outlets and be sure to consult an electrician to ensure outlets can be added before you build a layout around them!

In most cases, a provider should be able to move freely around an entire exam table or chair, especially if providing massages or full-body medical exams. Even an aesthetician needs a good amount of space when working with clients, and an overcrowded space could affect the quality of the services.

Exam tables and chairs should also be easy for clients of all sizes and levels of mobility to get in and out of with ease, so be sure there is plenty of room to maneuver around them safely. If

Practice Makes Perfect

Before you open the exam room door to a patient or client, give your exam room layout a trial run with your own staff.

One of the best ways to determine if the layout is comfortable and efficient is to practice an actual exam or treatment and make adjustments as necessary. You may find there is not enough space around certain areas of the exam chair and decide to reposition it; you may realize you are making too many trips to reach for supplies that could be stored closer to the table.

Many exam chairs fold out into tables, and you should try every possible setting to ensure there is adequate space. Even if you only intend to use an exam chair in its upright position for the treatments you offer now, you might expand your offerings in the future, so it is worth confirming you can still make it work in the space you have.

Editing Tight Spaces

While a visually appealing room is important, especially in spa settings where clients are looking for a calm and inviting space, you need to prioritize your choices if you are working within tight dimensions.

Every piece should have a function. For example, you may have a small chair or stool where clients can leave a purse or clothing. However, if you also offer lockers or a changing room, it may be unnecessary and could end up overcrowding the space.

Similarly, artwork or decorative accessories should be carefully placed so they do not interfere with treatments or procedures. Resist the urge to overdo the space. Remember, too many accessories can make an exam room feel cluttered and distract the client when you want them to feel relaxed.

Smart storage solutions, including exam tables and chairs with built-in storage, can not only make the space appear neater but can also mean important supplies are within easy reach for the provider.

Other Exam Room Considerations

Getting the exam room layout right is critical to patient and client satisfaction, and once you have a successfully tested layout you should also consider ways the space will leave an impression on visitors. Here are some questions to ask about the exam rooms in your office:

• How well is the room soundproofed? Will noise from other rooms disrupt a procedure?
• What type of lighting works best in the space, both for the provider as well as the client?
• Is the color scheme consistent with the rest of the office?
• Is the furniture and equipment in the space easy to clean and maintain?
• Do the storage solutions in the exam room offer room to grow?
• Is the space properly ventilated?

Spa Source for All Your Exam Room Needs

At Spa Source, we are dedicated to providing medical practices and spas with the best in furniture and equipment for exam rooms, and our expert team can guide you to the best options for the space you have.

We sell only the highest-quality exam chairs and tables; contact us today for more information on any of our products, and let us equip you with the right tools to serve your patients and clients.