Physicians' waiting rooms in
this country run the gamut. Some are as cosy as a well-worn
glove while others have all the charm of a thousand government
offices � fluorescent lights, tiled floor, chairs and
tables that look as though the manufacturer had the monkey
house at the local zoo in mind.
Your reception area is important.
Patients spend a lot of time there and the right atmosphere
can help instil a calm, open frame of mind that can
ease even the most difficult consultation.
People respond in remarkably similar
ways to different environments. Over 3,000 years ago,
the Chinese developed guidelines intended to create
harmonious living and working spaces. They called the
art feng shui, which literally means wind and water.
In recent years feng shui has blossomed in the west.
Newspaper magnate Rupert Murdock, and hundreds of other
business leaders, have fashioned their offices to take
full advantage of the ancient principles.
Valmai Howe, author of Adventures
of a Feng Shui Detective, and founder of the transformative
Power Feng Shui method, says our houses and offices
"not only affect us, they also reflect us." Here are
some of her suggestions on how to optimize the soothing
effect of your waiting room.
• Floor and ceilings:
"Materials should be similar to those in your living
room. Smooth plaster ceilings, wooden floors with carpets."
• Colours: "Soft
earth tones. Avoid white and grey."
• Lighting:
"Ambient lighting. Table and standing lamps � absolutely
no fluorescents."
• Furniture: "Comfort
is the most important feature � sofas and easy chairs
that you sink into. You want to create an atmosphere
in which patients feel cared for the moment they come
in the door. Avoid sharp corners, favour curves. Oval
or round coffee and end tables put people at ease. Wood
is the material of choice. Avoid metal. Make sure patients
have a view of the door but don't place them directly
in the path of doors if at all possible."
• Artwork: "The best
artwork for a waiting room are soothing scenes of nature;
wildflower meadows, tranquil gardens with fountains,
vibrant forest pathways, inviting beach or lake scenes
with quiet water, not crashing waves."
• Plants: "Soft, rounded
leafy plants foster a peaceful atmosphere that, at the
same time, is living and vibrant � health giving. Cactus
and sharp- leafed plants have a place in this world
� in the desert, not your waiting room. The combination
of appropriate plants and soft earth-toned walls and
decor provide a supportive and healthy environment which
makes waiting time pass more comfortably."
• Music: "Soft
classical music promotes peace. Ideally use a CD player
and choose your own soothing favourites. A classical
FM radio station is acceptable as long as it offers
music programming only."
• Water: "Water is
a gentle healer. A discrete water cooler which dispenses
spring water creates a sense of caring. Attractive pottery
water dispensers are available at most hardware stores
and through companies which provide water to offices."
• Mirrors: "Avoid mirrors.
People don't want to see themselves when they may not
be feeling their best."
• Magazines: "Avoid
daily newspapers. Current news focuses on unpleasant
topics that make people feel uneasy and fuel nervousness.
Magazines which feature travel, food and spas provide
health distractions and help allay anxiety. Patient-oriented
educational material is ideal."
• Window treatments:
"Avoid vertical venetian blinds in favour of natural
materials such as soft fabric in cotton, wool or silk.
Bamboo or rice paper is also suitable."
• Refuse containers:
"Provide a non-metal wastepaper basket with a lid."
These changes will go a long way
to providing patients with an atmosphere that promotes
healthy, helpful doctor-patient exchanges.
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