Whether or not an emergency, everyone knows the dreaded experience that is healthcare wait times. But with today’s technology and emphasis on customer satisfaction, doctors and medical facilities are looking to make increasingly long waits more informative, educational and entertaining through digital programming.

Digital signage solutions allow healthcare providers to relieve anxiety, reduce boredom and connect with patients in more meaningful ways.

· Directional kiosks can showcase easily updatable, interactive maps that simplify the navigation of large campuses. These digital signage kiosks can also present rotating informational displays to provide staff and patients with frequent and campus-specific service updates, breaking news or even the menu of cafeteria items.

· Interactive digital signage displays in waiting rooms and urgent care facilities can provide helpful health-related information, like doctor profiles, tips on how to prepare for appointments, preventative care advice and even motivational videos or advice. You can provide your patients with information regarding health-related community events such as free clinics, immunizations or blood drives. Preventative care, diet and exercise are all informative topics that can help relieve the tediousness of long wait times, alleviate concerns and build patient confidence in your facility.

· Digital signage displays in the waiting room can also help decrease perceived wait times and boredom by providing a focal point and source of entertainment for patients. Some digital signage options can even include short clips of popular television programs and patient queuing, so clients who are waiting to be seen can actively monitor their wait time and progress. 

· Through the use of touchscreen technology, patients are empowered to complete their own check-in and registration. This not only provides the patients with a greater sense of privacy than the standard clipboard-and-pen intake process, it has also been shown to increase patient approval ratings. For healthcare providers, it reduces paper waste, decreases entry errors and allows staff members to focus on patient care.

· Digital signage is an ideal medium for showcasing special gifts, endowments and contributions because it allows your organization to tell an in-depth story through the use of photo and video. You can bring patients more in-touch with the community by acknowledging individuals or organizations who are making a positive contribution towards the health of the community, as well as recognizing those businesses and individuals who are your organization's benefactors and donors. 

Scott Andrews is Mood Media's senior vice president of product management for visual solutions.