The healthcare world has always been patient-centered. But, recently, there’s been an even greater focus on enhancing the patient experience through thoughtful design of both in-person and digital healthcare interactions. The goal is improved health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and better hospital efficiency. Below, we’ll explore how design impacts the patient experience, as well as current trends for the industry.

What is the Patient Experience?

Patient experience is the set of all interactions a patient has during their healthcare journey. This includes their experience making appointments, visiting with doctors, receiving care, scheduling follow-ups, navigating facilities, and accessing their records.

Thus, the patient experience isn’t just concerned with the time spent in an exam room. It consists of all perceptions and interactions within the healthcare system, starting with when the patient is referred to a facility.

The Impact of Design on Patient Experience

Design plays a meaningful role in shaping the patient experience–both in digital and physical settings.

In digital platforms like patient portals and telehealth applications, intuitive and user-friendly design enables patients to easily navigate the platform, access records, and communicate with providers without friction.

Similarly, the design of on-site facilities, such as the layout, signage, and lighting of a clinic or hospital, largely influence patient comfort. Effective design of healthcare facilities can help patients reduce stress and promote their well-being.

Current Trends in Patient Experience and Healthcare Design

The healthcare space has always been innovative, particularly in the realm of direct patient care. However, there is a growing drive for innovation through design and the patient experience. Here are some of the current trends taking hold:

Healing Environments

One of the biggest trends in healthcare design is incorporating more calming and healing design elements in healthcare facilities. This includes biophilic design, which combines natural light, plants, and other natural elements to create a more soothing and calming environment.

There is also a push to redesign spaces to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, such as private rooms, quiet areas for meditation and mindfulness, and family-friendly areas. These elements can make healthcare facilities feel more welcoming.

Digital Platforms

Again, the patient experience extends beyond their direct interactions with providers. It also encompasses their online experience using the patient portal, online appointment scheduler, or other digital solutions.

These platforms are only effective if they are easy to use and navigate. Clunky and outdated designs can frustrate patients and lead to lower adoption rates. Providers shouldn’t just implement digital platforms for the sake of ticking a box. Rather, they should incorporate them naturally into existing workflows, choosing solutions that have a clean and modern design and are user-friendly.

Remote Care and Telehealth

The advent of technologies like videoconferencing has made it much easier for healthcare professionals to administer care at a distance. This offers greater accessibility and convenience for patients, especially those who live in rural or remote areas, have mobility challenges, or cannot visit a provider for any other reason.

The design of these platforms should be easy to use, ensuring seamless connectivity between patients and their doctors. When executed correctly, it offers multiple ways for patients to receive care, catering to more people’s needs and preferences.