When a patient arrives at a large building and has no idea where to find their medical office, anxiety may set in. The patient may begin to worry about being late for their appointment if they can’t find the office, leading to panic, frustration, and maybe even a late fee. Though these emotions do occur for some, using a digital wayfinding app can help eliminate these feelings. Digital wayfinding software is changing how patients navigate hospitals and medical offices as well as how they experience their appointments.
What is Wayfinding?
Over the last few decades, wayfinding is what patients used to get from one place to another within a building; healthcare sites and malls often use this concept. Symbols and colors are used to familiarize patients with different parts of a building or even types of offices within the space. Wayfinding was originally used as a map above hallways, at hallway intersections, and inside and outside of elevators to help visitors get where they needed to go.
Benefits of Digital Wayfinding Software in Healthcare
With technology improving so dramatically over the last few years, it’s no surprise that wayfinding has also joined the tech world. Digital wayfinding software and hospital wayfinding apps are continuing to trend and the benefits of these systems will only continue to grow.
Easier Navigation
Instead of searching for symbols or maps on the walls of the medical building, you have access to the building’s layout right from your phone. This makes navigation a much easier situation if there is anxiety surrounding the visit. Most digital wayfinding apps give you real-time directions to your appointment while also adding in information about wait times and updated office protocols. With all of this at your fingertips, there is never a need to ask strangers in the hallways for directions on the way to your appointment.
Improved Timeliness
Since digital wayfinding software provides real-time navigation support, patients are able to review the building layout weeks in advance. This gives them the time to become comfortable with the setup if any anxieties arise. Digital wayfinding apps also can provide information about the best parking lots to park in which helps improve timeliness when getting to an appointment. Knowing which lot or street to park on and which elevators to look for makes arriving at your appointment on time—or earlier—is more than possible. This software also benefits medical employees when looking for different equipment within the office. Digital wayfinding apps can tell medical professionals where to find wheelchairs, extra gowns, and other needed materials within the office.
Reduced Stress
Many medical facilities lose about $800 million a year due to missed appointments, with many missed appointments caused by confusing directions within the building. Digital wayfinding software has helped reduce this statistic as well as reduce the stress associated with it for both the patient and the practitioner. When less anxiety is involved in finding your way around an office building, medical professionals can also do their job with more focus. Digital wayfinding software helps relieve stress for patients and medical staff as they go on with their daily tasks.