Midmark: Optimising OPD Spaces

By Deepa Natarajan

More than a million examination rooms later in the US, Midmark is now focused on India for helping deliver the best patient care with better equipment and smarter workflows. In an interview with Deepa Natarajan, they shine light on their OPD design solutions.

Patient satisfaction has been defined as an evaluation that reflects the perceived differences between the expectations of the patient to what is actually received during the process of care. Outpatient department (OPD) is the first point of contact of the hospital with patients and serves as the shop window to any healthcare service provided to the community. Better outcomes start at the point of care. The best patient-caregiver interactions start at the point of care – and ultimately the best outcomes – are supported by having the right equipment in the right place at the right time.

Consultation Zone

What are the key workflow features of a good OPD (doctors clinic)?

Improving the experience between patients and caregivers has been at the heart of everything we do at Midmark. More than a million examination rooms later in the US, we’re now focused on India for helping deliver the best patient care with better equipment and smarter workflows. Our Barrier Free Clinical Workflow solution is focused on delivering patient safety and comfort, infection prevention, efficiencies and overall improved clinical outcomes. Entire clinical workflow is manufactured by our parent company in the United States.

How do you design an OPD as to have an ideal circulation pattern for the different categories of people and their differing needs using this space?

Exam room design must be more flexible and functional  This design features a designated consultation zone that gives Doctors the power to engage with their patients and families in a secure and intimate manner while the Flexible Care Zone permits effective care using the best clinical equipment. Finally, effective patient care extends far beyond the Doctors Clinic - providing the means for ongoing monitoring of patients in addition to scheduled Doctor visits. 

Flexible care zone: The care zone is designed to allow left- or right-sided access and the ability to retrieve instruments and supplies at the point of care. Flexibility and proximity are important for increasing the efficiency of the caregiver and reducing the need to move away from the patient to retrieve instruments and/or supplies. 

Consultation zone: The consultation zone is designed around a shared interactive display for the caregiver and patient. It allows the caregiver to review medical records and educational materials as well as set schedules for medication, reinforcing a long-term care relationship with the patients and their families.

OPDs are generally associated with waiting time. How does one ensure maximum comfort for the patient and his or her family during this period?

Based on our extensive understanding and research in the ambulatory care field, we have developed numerous creative solutions to maximize use of space while enhancing care at the point of delivery. An examination chair with an integrated scale streamlines workflow and frees up space without the need for a floor scale in the room. The supply cart can be moved to the point of care to keep supplies in close proximity to the care zone and reduces additional steps. As soon as patient enters the examination room, Doctor engagement and diagnosis  begins instantly on Midmark Barrier-Free® exam chair positioning patients effortlessly with power height & manual back-rest through gas-spring. Whereas the family is comfortable on the side chair with contoured seat, back section for added support & high-impact plastic chair arms.

Hygiene is a concern too. How can it be addressed when designing the space and choosing the right equipment?

Midmark medical Furniture is designed with features intended to complement your facility’s infection control process, including EPA(Environment protection authority )-registered*, anti-microbial pulls and surfaces, seamless panels and one-piece, tub-style drawers. Midmark Barrier-Free® exam chair has a retractable roller base that allows you to easily and safely move the Exam chair for cleaning.

What are the basic services (for instance, air conditioning) that need to be taken care of?

At the project stage, we provide consultation on project design and form the design layout for the dedicated OPD space. The design options are then shared with the project owners for recommendations to modify, amend etc. On agreement of the design layout, we would then progress with the planning & installation of Medical Furniture, Midmark Barrier-Free® exam chair, Air Lift Physician Stool & Side/Waiting Chairs for installation. While all related Civil, Plumbing & Electrical work will need to be executed and managed by the project holders. we are happy to provide consultation in shaping up of the Barrier Free Clinical Workflow Solution.

How can one use technology to the fullest while designing an OPD?

The consultation zone is designed around a shared interactive display for the caregiver and patient. It allows the caregiver to review medical records and educational materials as well as set schedules for medication, reinforcing a long-term care relationship. The height-adjustable Midmark Barrier-Free® exam chair with the Patient Support Rails Plus™ accessory can be positioned to support the patient’s feet, back and arm properly for a more accurate blood pressure measurement.

Overall, how does one optimize an OPD space and ensure that its maximum potential is utilized?

During the planning and consultation phase, various requirements, needs and constraints are considered to enable a comprehensive understanding based upon which various OPD design options are presented for further discussion to ensure Patient and Caregiver comfort within the Zones. This allows optimal space utilization and concludes with the final layout.

What are the current projects that Midmark is working on with respect to OPD spaces?

We are currently working with numerous projects at highly reputable and upcoming Standalone Doctor Clinics, Government facilities and Private Hospitals.