Creating a welcoming environment for all patients, regardless of mobility, is essential. Accessibility goes beyond just compliance; it also impacts patient satisfaction and outcomes. Here, we cover important accessibility guidelines for hospitals.
Make Sure Hospital Infrastructure Supports Mobility Aids
Infrastructure accessibility entails hundreds of accommodations to ensure that patients who use mobility aids can comfortably and easily navigate the grounds. For example, paths, entrances, and exits must accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. This involves installing ramps with appropriate slopes, ensuring that doorways are wide enough, and placing grab bars and handrails along these areas.
Additionally, elevators should be accessible and large enough to accommodate multiple patients in wheelchairs. Likewise, the hospital’s floors should be nonslip and free from obstacles like rugs or crammed furniture to promote navigability in a mobility aid.
Provide Mobility Aids
Not only should hospitals accommodate mobility aids, but they should also provide them. After all, some patients require mobility support after a surgery or diagnosis, but they don’t arrive at the hospital with an aid.
Therefore, wheelchairs should be available at key locations, such as entrances, waiting areas, and clinics. Additionally, staff should receive training on assisting patients who require mobility aids. Likewise, they should know how to clean medical devices like wheelchairs to promote hygiene in these reusable devices.
Have Adaptable Medical Equipment
Perhaps surprisingly, not all medical equipment is adaptable to different mobility needs. For example, fixed-heigh examination tables are very common, but these prevent patients in wheelchairs from using them. Hospitals must ensure that all their equipment can serve patients of all abilities.
Furthermore, some mobility challenges make it difficult to even get to a hospital. In this case, telehealth services are important accessibility tools. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made these services much more prevalent and integrated in most healthcare settings.
Healthcare design should reflect the needs of all patients. These important accessibility guidelines for hospitals fulfill that need, simultaneously complying with regulations and improving patient satisfaction.
