PRIMARY CARE OFFICE
Designing a primary care office involves careful planning to ensure functionality, efficiency, and comfort for both patients and staff. At Invision Development we guide our clients through this process with our design-build delivery method, where by we act as a single source for planning, design, and construction.
GUIDLINE TO PLANNING & DESIGNING A primary care OFFICE
LOCATION AND SPACE PLANNING
Choose a location that is accessible to your target patient population, considering factors like proximity to public transportation and parking availability. Calculate the space needed based on the number of practitioners and patient volume. Common areas to include are waiting rooms, consultation rooms, examination rooms, administrative areas, staff break rooms, storage, and possibly a lab or procedure room.
LAYOUT AND WORKFLOW OPTIMIZATION
Design the layout to minimize the distance between frequently used areas. For example, examination rooms should be close to the nurses' station. Ensure patient privacy by strategically placing consultation and examination rooms away from high-traffic areas. Design the office to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, following ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.
RECEPTION AND WAITING AREA
Should be easily visible from the entrance, with a welcoming design. Provide comfortable seating with adequate spacing to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Include amenities such as water dispensers, reading materials, Wi-Fi, and restrooms.
EXAMINATION AND CONSULTATION ROOMS
Standard examination rooms are typically around 8x10 feet. Equip rooms with necessary medical equipment, an examination table, storage cabinets, a sink, and a computer workstation. Use calming colors and ensure good lighting to create a soothing environment for patients.
ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS
Provide private offices for physicians and shared workspaces for nurses and administrative staff. Allocate secure areas for storing patient records, both physical and digital, and other medical supplies. Design a comfortable break room with amenities like a kitchenette, seating, and lockers for personal belongings.
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Ensure that the office is equipped with a robust EHR system, with workstations in every consultation and examination room. Design spaces that can be used for telemedicine consultations, including necessary technology and privacy considerations. Install a reliable network for internet and internal communications, including Wi-Fi for patients and staff.
INFECTION CONTROL AND SAFETY
Include areas for sterilization of medical instruments and proper disposal of medical waste. Implement good ventilation systems to ensure air quality and reduce the risk of airborne infections. Ensure the office is equipped with necessary safety equipment like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits.
AESTHETICS AND COMFORT
Use calming and neutral colors to create a relaxing environment. Maximize natural light where possible, and use artificial lighting that mimics natural light. Incorporate artwork and decor that promote a peaceful atmosphere, avoiding overly clinical aesthetics.
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATIONS
Ensure that the design complies with local building codes and regulations. Adhere to healthcare regulations regarding facility design, safety, and hygiene. Consider standards from accrediting bodies like The Joint Commission to enhance credibility and ensure quality.
| SPACE PROGRAM FOR PRIMARY CARE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Physicians | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||
| Private Office | 12 X 12 = 144 | 2@ | 12 X 12 = 288 | 3@ | 12 X 12 = 432 | |
| Exam Rooms | 3@ | 10 X 12 = 360 | 6@ | 10 X 12 = 720 | 9@ | 10 X 12 = 1080 |
| Waiting Room | 14 X 18 = 216 | 16 X 20 = 320 | 18 X 20 = 360 | |||
| Business Office | 12 X 18 = 216 | 16 X 18 = 288 | 18 X 30 = 540 | |||
| Office Manager | _ | 10 X 12 = 120 | 10 X 12 = 120 | |||
| Nurse Station | 10 X 12 = 120 | 2@ | 10 X 10 = 200 | 3@ | 10 X 10 = 300 | |
| M.A Workstation | 6 X 10 = 60 | 6 X 10 = 60 | 6 X 12 = 72 | |||
| Toilet | 2@ | 8 X 8 = 128 | 2@ | 8 X 8 = 128 | 3@ | 8 X 8 = 192 |
| Storage | 6 X 8 = 48 | 8 X 8 = 64 | 10 X 10 = 100 | |||
| Staff Room | 8 X 10 = 80 | 10 X 12 = 120 | 12 X 12 = 144 | |||
| Minor Surgery | 12 X 12 = 144 | 12 X 12 = 144 | 12 X 14 = 168 | |||
| Radiology | _ | 16 X 20 = 320 | 16 X 20 = 320 | |||
| Laboratory | 8 X 8 = 64 | 8 X 10 = 80 | 16 X 16 = 256 | |||
| Tel. Equip/Server Closet | 4 X 5 =20 | 4 X 5 =20 | 4 X 5 = 20 | |||
| Biohazard Storage | 4 X 4 = 16 | 4 X 4 =16 | 4 X 4 =16 | |||
| Subtotal | 1652 SF | 2888 SF | 4120 SF | |||
| 20 % Circulation | 330 | 577 | 824 | |||
| Total | 1982 SF | 3465 SF | 4944 SF | |||
Malkin, Jain. Medical and Dental Space Planning: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Equipment, and Clinical Procedures. 4th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2014.
Let us bring your vision to life
Invision Development is committed to helping you create a functional and welcoming primary care office that meets the highest standards of quality and efficiency. With our expertise in design-build services, we ensure that every aspect of your project is handled with professionalism and attention to detail. Reach out to Invision Development today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life, providing a seamless and stress-free experience from initial concept to final construction. Together, we can build a space that supports exceptional patient care and contributes to the overall success of your practice.