By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

As healthcare spaces become more dynamic and flexible, so too must their furniture offerings. Fortunately, furniture has adapted to this need and has become more modular and mobile as a result. In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today spoke with furniture and textile manufacturers about how healthcare facilities are prioritizing product selections for flexible use. 

How are healthcare facilities prioritizing flexibility and adaptability in product selections as spaces are being designed for flexible use? 

“Demand for modularity as well as “add-ons” like work surfaces and power outlets is increasing, as well as the need to ensure products can suit a variety of users (i.e. small enough for children but large enough for adults).  

Adaptability helps with standardization across multiple spaces – again, adding to the point about comprehensive coordination and cohesiveness throughout. Demand for mobility of furniture has also increased dramatically. Previously, healthcare facilities were looking for mobility in desks and chairs–now, everything must be mobile.” 

— Cindy Lawton-Moreby, vice president of sales, Allseating / Stephanie Smith, marketing director, Allseating / Scott Leyden, sales representative, Allseating     

“One of the ways healthcare facilities are designing more flexible spaces is through emphasizing good acoustics and privacy products. Acoustic drapery and movable partitions can help divide the space in various ways while protecting patients and occupants from excessive noise. These fabrics and partitions must meet the same cleanability requirements as upholstered furniture and solid surfaces, but these products do exist.” 

— Mary Holt, chief design strategist, Carnegie   

“Healthcare has recently entered the modular revolution in terms of designing stations for nurses, greeters and registration personnel. We’ve come to more clearly understand caregiver workflow and patient experience so we’re seeing more flexible solutions being specified for use in healthcare settings. 

Caregivers now have more control over work position and posture while still having maximum cleanability and disinfection. With the option for height-adjustable work surfaces, seating has followed suit with dual posture task chairs which support both sitting and perching. 

Former waiting areas are now being thought of more as community spaces. Faster throughput means patients spend less time waiting and reach their point of care quicker. Care partners who escort patients are now using these spaces in different ways. As a result, we see different seating scenarios and adaptability of spaces, so they aren’t just sitting in rows of chairs – they’re sitting in lounge seating, they’re using acoustic pods for private phone conversations, they’re using community tables to work or have a meal. 

This flexibility in community spaces can benefit neurodiverse individuals as well – allowing them to choose different settings based on what is comfortable for them while awaiting care or waiting for a loved one.” 

— Rod Vickroy, Assoc. AIA, RID, LEED AP, vertical brand segment manager, Haworth 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.