Polyclinic

Designing a health center is a complex process that requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the needs of patients and healthcare providers. A well-designed health center can provide numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, improved quality of care, and a more satisfying overall patient experience.

In this guide, we will explore the main features of a polyclinic, the benefits it can offer and the essential guidelines for its design. You will discover how to create a functional, efficient and welcoming space that meets the needs of all users.

Definition and main characteristics of a Polyclinic

A multi-clinic is a healthcare facility that offers a wide range of medical and specialist services in one location. Unlike a single clinic, a multi-clinic brings together different specialties and healthcare professionals, allowing patients to access multiple services in a more convenient and integrated way.

The main features of a polyclinic include:

• Diversity of services. You can take advantage of a wide range of services, such as specialist visits, diagnostic tests, physical and rehabilitative therapies, laboratory services and much more.
• Integration of care. The various healthcare professionals within the polyclinic collaborate to provide an integrated approach to patient care, improving the continuity and quality of services.
• Accessibility and convenience. Having multiple services in one place makes it easier for patients to access them, reducing travel and waiting times.
• Operational efficiencyConcentrating resources and skills in a single space can improve the efficiency and productivity of healthcare personnel.
• Advanced technologies. Outpatient clinics are often equipped with cutting-edge equipment and technology to support high-quality diagnosis and treatment.

Benefits of the Outpatient Clinic for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

The polyclinic offers numerous advantages for both patients and healthcare professionals:

Benefits for patients:

• Facilitated access. Patients can access a wide range of services in one place, saving time and effort.
• Continuity of care. Coordination between healthcare professionals within the outpatient clinic improves the continuity and quality of care.
• Greater satisfaction. Patients experience a smoother and more satisfying experience through the integration of services.

Benefits for healthcare professionals:

• Interprofessional collaboration. The polyclinic promotes collaboration and the exchange of knowledge among healthcare professionals.
• Operational efficiencyConcentrating resources and skills in a single space increases efficiency and productivity.
• Access to advanced technologies. Healthcare professionals can take advantage of cutting-edge equipment and technologies to provide high-quality services.

Guidelines for designing an efficient outpatient clinic

Planning a health center requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some key guidelines:

• Needs analysis. Conduct a thorough needs analysis of patients and healthcare professionals to understand their expectations and priorities.
• Patient flow. Design a smooth and intuitive patient flow, with clear pathways and effective signage.
• Organization of spaces. Divide spaces according to different functions (waiting areas, clinics, laboratories, etc.) to optimize the use of space.
• Accessibility and comfort. Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and create welcoming and comfortable environments for patients.
• Technology integration. Integrate advanced technological solutions, such as online booking systems, electronic medical records and telemedicine tools.
• Energy efficiency. Adopt eco-sustainable design solutions to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Flexibility and adaptability. Design a flexible and adaptable space to allow for future expansion or modification.
• Security and Regulatory Compliance. Ensure compliance with all safety and hygiene regulations to protect the health of patients and operators.

Facilities and equipment needed in a polyclinic

A well-designed health center must include a variety of facilities and equipment to provide a wide range of health services. Some of the key facilities and equipment needed are:

• Specialist clinics. Spaces dedicated to visits and therapies of various medical specialties.
• Diagnostic areas. Laboratories, rooms for radiological examinations, ultrasounds and other diagnostic tests.
• Rehabilitation spaces. Areas for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
• Short-term hospitalization areas. Rooms for observation and monitoring of patients.
• Support Services. Pharmacy, blood collection services, administrative desk, etc.
• Advanced technologies. Cutting-edge medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment.
• Informatic Systems. Digital solutions for managing health information and workflows.

The combination and arrangement of these facilities and equipment within the clinic must be carefully planned to ensure efficient workflow and a positive patient experience.

Organization of spaces

The organization of spaces within a polyclinic plays a fundamental role in ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for patients. Here are some key principles to consider:

• Reception and waiting areas. Create welcoming and comfortable spaces for patient reception and waiting, equipped with adequate seating, appropriate lighting and entertainment.
• Outpatient clinics and diagnostic areas. Strategically position clinics and diagnostic areas to facilitate patient flow and reduce waiting times.
• Support Areas. Conveniently locate support services, such as pharmacy, blood collections, and administrative tasks, to streamline procedures for patients.
• Spaces for staff. Set aside dedicated areas for healthcare workers, such as offices, meeting rooms, and break areas, to ensure their well-being and productivity.
• Traffic and signs. Design clear and intuitive circulation routes, supported by effective signage, to guide patients through the clinic.
• Accessibility and inclusiveness. Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and create inclusive environments that take into account the diverse needs of patients.
• Flexibility and adaptability. Design flexible and modular spaces to allow for future expansion or modifications without compromising the efficiency of the clinic.

Proper organization of spaces helps improve patient experience, operational efficiency, and healthcare staff satisfaction.

Rendering slides with examples of waiting rooms for outpatient clinics. Source: Depositphotos.com

Patient Flow Management

Effective patient flow management is essential to ensuring a positive experience and reducing wait times. Here are some strategies to adopt:

• Booking and check-in. Implement online booking and self-check-in systems to streamline access procedures.
• Signage and information. Use clear, intuitive signage to guide patients through the clinic and provide accurate information about available services.
• Waiting Management. Adopt queue management techniques, such as call systems and information displays, to reduce patient-perceived waiting times.
• Coordination between services. Ensure effective coordination between the different health services within the clinic to avoid delays and interruptions in patient flow.
• Data monitoring and analysis. Collect and analyze patient flow data to identify areas for improvement and optimize processes.
• Communication with patients. Maintain constant and transparent communication with patients, informing them of expected waiting times and any changes.
• Staff training. Properly train healthcare and administrative staff to efficiently manage patient flow.

Careful and strategic management of the flow of the public contributes to improving patient satisfaction and the overall efficiency of the polyclinic.

The Future of the Outpatient Clinic: Trends and Developments

The outpatient clinic is evolving rapidly, following the trends and developments of the healthcare sector. Here are some of the main trends that will characterize the future of outpatient clinics:

• Telemedicine integration. The expansion of telemedicine and teleconsultation services will become increasingly central to the offerings of polyclinics, providing greater accessibility and convenience for patients.
• Greater customization. Outpatient clinics will take a more personalized approach, tailoring services and experiences to each patient’s specific needs.
• Advanced technologies. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the Internet of Things (IoT), will improve diagnostic accuracy, operational efficiency and patient experience.
• Holistic approach to health. The health centers of the future will take a more holistic approach to health, offering prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management services.
• Sustainability and greenThe design of outpatient clinics will be increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, with eco-friendly and low energy impact solutions.
• Interprofessional collaboration. Collaboration between healthcare professionals within outpatient clinics will become even more crucial to providing high-quality, integrated care.
• Patient Engagement. The outpatient clinics of the future will encourage greater active involvement of patients in managing their own health, through self-monitoring and shared decision-making tools.

These future developments will enable polyclinics to become even more efficient, innovative and patient-focused healthcare centers.

Conclusions: the importance of the outpatient clinic for the health system

The polyclinic plays a fundamental role in the healthcare system, offering a model of integrated and high-quality care. By concentrating different specialties and skills in one place, polyclinics are able to provide patients with a more fluid, efficient and satisfying experience.

Careful and strategic planning of a polyclinic is essential to maximize its benefits, both for patients and for healthcare professionals. By following the guidelines and trends presented in this guide, it is possible to create functional, welcoming and cutting-edge spaces, capable of meeting the needs of all users.

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Cover photo: Sturti by Getty Images Signature