Research shows that patients’ moods can be greatly improved by following some simple design rules like giving access to amenities, delivering positive distractions, and incorporating natural elements like plants and sunlight. Interior design trends for mobile medical coaches follow these rules to uplift patients’ moods and reduce stress.
Minimalism, balanced color schemes, and eco-friendly interior solutions are among the latest design trends. If you’d like to learn how to incorporate them in your mobile medical coach, we’ll show you how to do it as efficiently as possible.
Source: craftsmenind.com
Just like a regular hospital, a mobile medical clinic should be minimalist with a balanced color scheme that promotes tranquility. You can contrast the simplicity of the space by adding art decor, plants, and other colorful touches.
Below, we’ll guide you on how to create an accurate floor plan and highlight factors that will determine the size and layout of your mobile clinic. Finally, we’ll show you how to incorporate minimalism into the interior design of a mobile coach.
Before you get to furnishing, you should lay out the floor plan. Here are some factors that will affect the size and layout of mobile medical coaches for accessible healthcare:
To ensure your centralized workstation has everything you need, you should first establish the use case of your mobile medical unit. We’ll now provide an example of an all-inclusive mobile medical coach used for consultations and examinations, blood and virus tests, injury treatment, vaccinations, etc.:
Depending on the size and the vehicle, you can include a private consultation room separated by a sliding door. This is better done in buses, but large vans are an option, too.
Next, you can include an enclosed exam room separate from the driver's area. In some cases, the driver’s area can double as a check-in and check-out room.
You’ll be using the exam room for virtually all medical services, meaning you’ll need to make enough space for storage. We recommend countertops with wall cabinets, a sink with a removable water tank and water pump, and cube storage organizers for extra space. A phlebotomy chair is a must; make sure it’s nicely padded and ergonomic for utmost comfort.
Don’t forget to create a separate sterile storage area for all medical equipment as well as a fridge to store medicine in cold-chain conditions.
Finally, you’ll need to install a roof-mounted auxiliary AC unit and add an electric heater to make sure your patients are comfortable at any outside temperature.
Depending on the services you want to provide, you’ll have to make space for equipment like:
Now, let’s look at some design ideas to incorporate in the interior of your coach.
When it comes to clinical vans, a wellness-focused interior design is a must. In other words, the interior of your van should be user-friendly and induce a state of serenity for all who enter.
When choosing furniture pieces, colors, patterns, and decor for your mobile medical coach, you should think about their impact on patients. Most medical facilities have gone down the biophilic route, which introduces natural elements to the space, like natural lighting, plants, patterns, and textures found in nature.
Color theory plays a key role here – a biophilic color palette features lots of blue, green, yellow, gray, and brown. Lighter shades are more airy and make the area appear more spacious, whereas darker shades give off a warm and intimate vibe.
Finally, you can consider adding some greenery in the space as well as art decor that depicts scenes from nature, like landscapes.
Foldable furniture is also among the interior design trends for mobile medical coaches. Foldable beds are entirely adjustable and save a lot of space, and stacking chairs are easily stored.
Medical work frequently involves tense situations like examining and drawing blood from a patient who has a fear of needles or general anxiety in a hospital. Such situations require something to mediate the stress and relax the patient so that the medical staff can do their job.
The best way to bring a sense of calm and serenity to a medical mobile coach is by introducing minimalism. Minimalist designs perfectly capture the idea of “less is more” and are rooted in neutral colors, simple patterns, and the occasional pop of color.
Modern hospitals have neutral-colored waiting and exam areas where gray, white, and brown predominate. Even better, these colors can serve as a foundation for introducing a splash of color into the space, like yellow, to stimulate energy and happiness.
When it comes to the furniture, keeping the place looking simple and uncluttered is key. Besides the necessary medical equipment, medical chair, and bed, you don’t need much more.
Source: craftsmenind.com
So, are there any specific color schemes that work best in mobile coach interior design? Earthy tones are the key to a serene patient experience. You can incorporate an earthy color palette for a serene patient experience or go with a yellow-colored palette which is associated with warmth and optimism.
Another great option is a monochromatic color palette with just a hint of beige, which gives a clean and sterile appearance. Other colors you can implement are pastel shades, such as sky blue or mint green, which both promote balance and calmness.
Definitely avoid using a combination of gray and blue. The lack of other colors to balance out the dark blue gives the room a sad, gloomy appearance.
In the following heading, we’ll explain what materials are commonly used in the interior design of mobile medical coaches and touch on sanitary and eco-friendly solutions.
Mobile medical coaches must provide a clean, sanitary, and organized environment. We already discussed the advantages of a biophilic approach to the interior design; however, the functionality of your medical van is also crucial.
Firstly, you should use materials that protect against the spread of infection together with antimicrobial coatings on finishes of hard surfaces. So, you’ll need to install antimicrobial flooring and countertops, which are often exposed to touch. Glass, ceramic, and steel surfaces coated in photoactive pigments turn antimicrobial under UV rays.
Regarding door handles, we suggest a copper finish because it’s naturally antimicrobial/ For the surface materials, the best option is laminate, as it’s wipe-clean, waterproof, and stain-resistant. Wall, door, and ceiling panels can all be laminate; the color is up to you.
Next, you’ll have to install wooden overhead cabinets and under-counter cubbies for storage.
For the flooring, we recommend LVT flooring or luxury vinyl tile. This material is versatile in appearance, durable, easy to clean, and cost-efficient.
Eco-friendliness is part of the biophilic design since it’s closely tied to nature. Modern mobile clinics install green flooring for visual appeal but also to reduce carbon footprint.
Eco-friendly flooring materials include:
Besides a convenient design, interior design trends for mobile medical coaches bring on other advantages like:
There are several ways in which mobile clinics aid the community and make a difference:
Mobile clinics can camp out in front of schools, workplaces, community centers, and public places in need of round-the-clock service.
While we did initially talk about coaches, this doesn’t mean you’re only restricted to this one vehicle type. Here are the most common vehicles used as mobile clinics:
Mobile medical units are subject to specific regulatory and compliance requirements that vary from state to state. We’ll provide a general overview of some basic requirements, but you’ll have to follow the guidelines in your state.
Most states require each mobile clinic to have a proper waste disposal system and a sterilization system tol ensure a germ-free environment. Another typical requirement is accessibility via a ramp or lifts for patients with physical disabilities.This includes adding a railing for easier access for all patients.
Finally, the medical unit should have access to clean water (including hot water) as well as a functioning bathroom.
Source: craftsmenind.com
The newest interior design trends for mobile medical coaches put an accent on safety, comfort, and visual appeal. This user-centered approach to healthcare interior design will ensure your patients are safeguarded from accidental contagions while being able to enjoy their stay in your mobile clinic.
At Craftsmen Industries, we can manufacture a mobile medical coach entirely fit to your taste. We’ll make sure your patients’ needs are addressed by furnishing the coach from top to bottom and including a private exam room, restroom, wheelchair lift, and more.
If you have an image of how your coach should look, request a quote here, and we’ll be happy to bring your design ideas to life.