What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Hospital Wayfinding Signage

How do you feel when you step into a large building or facility and can't find your way around?

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It is really frustrating to search through long directories, roam through endless hallways or take wrong turns. Adding to the stress is the confusing directional signs or total lack of them. Finding someone to assist you can also be challenging.

In a hospital facility, this frustration becomes more exaggerated.

Hospital patients are already dealing with their health situation and attempting to find their way around the facility is just added stress. People want to get in and out of the hospital without worries and hassles. They want to find information, locate the doctor's clinic or navigate all the way from their parking space to their appointment.

Poor navigation is a disadvantage to any healthcare institution as this usually leads to more frustrated patients, missed appointments and staff interruption. Everyone, from patients to visitors, arriving at any hospital facility needs assistance ' whether it's a routine check-up or visiting a loved one.

If you're managing a healthcare facility, you need to find ways to lower that anxiety or not add to the burden of your patients and visitors as they find their way around. What you need is are simple and hassle free wayfinding tools to help patients and visitors find their way faster and with less stress.

The solution: Adding intuitive digital wayfinding signage to your hospital in areas of high foot traffic

What is Digital Wayfinding Signage?

Digital wayfinding maps are interactive digital screens or kiosks that help visitors reach their destination.  It allows users to search and select information, and view detailed directions in a rich, graphic representation that will guide them to where they are heading.

Compared to a static map that doesn't provide custom information, digital wayfinding maps are customized based on the information choices set by the user. This way, healthcare visitors can easily navigate around the facility faster and stress-free.

At the same time, digital wayfinding maps also provide essential benefits to doctors, nurses, and the entire healthcare administration.

11 benefits of digital wayfinding tools in the healthcare industry

1. Serves confused patients

Most hospital patients are already distracted when they arrive at the hospital premises due to their illness or health condition. Since they don't feel well or are anxious about upcoming tests or surgery, they may not be thinking clearly. Digital wayfinding tools can assist them as they find their way around a large healthcare facility. With a clear set of directions and information, their stress is lowered and they can get where they are going faster and easier.

2. Provides faster emergency assistance

People experiencing immediate help need to act fast and get to the emergency room as soon as possible. They need to find their way as soon as they enter the facility. With a digital wayfinding tool, anyone aiding them can easily navigate their way to emergency departments and insure they receive treatment as soon as possible. Mobile wayfinding can even take them from their home to the correct parking lot and into their final destination.

3. Alleviates stress of worried families

Hospital visitors are often distraught as they struggle to find their loved ones in a healthcare facility. Visiting a loved one can be an emotionally-stressful event. Digital wayfinding tools can alleviate that stress by providing a positive visitor experience.  By using wayfinding kiosks or mobile options, visitors can conveniently make it through the confusing maze of buildings, complex corridors, parking lots, and banks of elevators.

4. Boosts efficiency of doctors, nurses and hospital employees

Healthcare institutions have not only doctors who check on their patients but visiting physicians who come to give lectures or provide training as well. With the help of digital wayfinding tools, visiting doctors, aides, consultants and other support staff feel most welcomed as they enter the facility. Aside from wayfinding services, screens can also be used to share training opportunities and other relevant information.

5. Clears congested hallways

Patients and visitors who can't find a specific doctor's clinic, hospital rooms or information they need tend to congest the hallways. Using a digital wayfinding tool, patients and visitors can quickly reach their destination. This improves traffic flow through busy areas. When a hallway is clear, proper assistance, especially for emergency situations, can be provided quickly.

6. Improves patient satisfaction

Visits to hospitals and doctors' clinics can be an intimidating and stressful experience for most patients when the hospital wayfinding is lackluster. As they want to get in and out of their doctor's appointments faster, digital wayfinding tools can perfectly serve this need. Healthcare providers can quickly serve their patients who arrive on time. This also creates a warm and engaging atmosphere for visitors, patients, doctors, and healthcare staffs.

7. Relieves strain on hospital employees

When hospital patients and visitors need assistance in getting around the facility, most reception and information areas get congested. Some people also stop along the hallways, interrupting busy nurses and doctors. Digital wayfinding tools reduce the need for staff to direct visitors all the time.

8. Updates information easily

In large healthcare facilities, doctors and departments regularly transfer to new locations. Reflecting the never-ending changes on hospital wayfinding can be a real challenge especially if one is using static maps and directories. Outdated information causes lost patients and all the problems associated with that. Updating traditional signs comes at a cost. But with digital signage, updating maps and directories can be quickly done with just a few keystrokes. All those changes are reflected in real-time at no additional cost.

9. Serves as a tool for information

Digital signage serves several purposes aside from being a wayfinding solution. Whether placed in hallways, cafeterias, patient rooms or doctors' offices, it not only communicates but educates as well. Its large screen can be used to share news, health related information, public advisories, wellness awareness, and more. It can also be used for advertising purposes for additional revenue streams.

10. Works as an emergency communication channel

During emergency situations, it's vital that alert messages are communicated to everyone. Digital signage can be used as an emergency broadcast system across the facility. This increases awareness and assists people during emergency situations.  It can also display basic first aid information and relevant government agency numbers. Content can be customized and shown in real-time across the entire property.

11. Shows care for patient's well-being

Digital signage enhances the quality of life and makes the promotion of wellness more engaging. By making your healthcare facility as helpful, informative and trustworthy as you can, you are giving your patients and visitors a great experience with hospital wayfinding. Healthcare facilities that make use of interactive digital maps ' which serve the needs of patients ' care about providing the most technologically advanced treatment possible. This leads to long-term loyalty and trust. From increasing patient's satisfaction to decreasing their stress level, the benefits that digital signage provide to visitors and staff alike are endless.

The Bottom Line

It's time to stop your visitors and patients from having to hunt for their destination. Make sure you are giving your visitors, patients, doctors, nurses, and other staff and employees a positive experience all the time.

Talk with one of our digital signage specialists to discover how your healthcare facility can benefit more by adding a digital signage system to current wayfinding signage.

Effective wayfinding ensures people can navigate spaces efficiently and comfortably in today's complex built environments. One popular solution for creating comprehensive wayfinding systems is using Modular Sign Systems, better known as MSS. This article explores the benefits and challenges of using MSS for wayfinding signage.

WHAT ARE MODULAR SIGN SYSTEMS?

MSS are versatile, customisable signage solutions that use interlocking components to create a wide range of sign types. They typically consist of aluminium extrusions that can be put together in many different ways to produce directional signs, building directories, door signs, and more.

PROS OF WAYFINDING MODULAR SIGN SYSTEMS

1. Flexibility and Adaptability: One of the most significant advantages of MSS is its flexibility. The modular nature of these systems allows for:

• • Creation of various branded sign types (projecting, suspended, door-mounted) using the same components

  • Easy updates and modifications as needed

  • Expansion or reduction of sign size without replacing the entire unit

2. Design Versatility: MSS offer complete design flexibility and gives sign makers, architects, and designers greater control over the aesthetics of their signage. With a range of profile sizes (typically from 5mm to 150mm), these systems can accommodate various text applications and design requirements. Plus, the capability to match RAL and Pantone colours to blend with any branding.

3. Durability and Longevity: Constructed from durable aluminium, MSS is a long-term, cost-effective solution. Its robust build ensures it can withstand regular cleaning and wear and tear over extended periods, providing a reassuring return on investment.

4. Ease of Assembly and Disassembly: There's a learning curve, but MSS is relatively easy to assemble and dismantle once the system is understood. This feature is most useful for:

• • Quick installations

  • Easy maintenance and cleaning

  • Simple updates to information without replacing the entire sign

5. Customisation Options: MSS offers a wide range of customisation options, including:

• • Various finishes (mill finish, wet spray, screen print, vinyl application) to match any aesthetic

  • Braille and tactile options for accessibility compliance

6. Scalability: MSS can be scaled from small door signs to large building directories to fit any size requirement. This scalability ensures a consistent look throughout a facility or building, regardless of the sign's purpose or location.

CONS OF WAYFINDING MODULAR SIGN SYSTEMS

1. Initial Cost: The upfront cost of implementing a comprehensive MSS can be higher than some wayfinding signage options. This initial investment might be a barrier for some organisations, especially those with limited budgets.

2. Installation Learning Curve: While assembly is straightforward, once learned it becomes relatively straightforward. Additional training for facilities staff or the hiring of specialised installers may be required initially, but this preparation ensures a smooth installation process.

3. Limitations in Organic Shapes: MSS typically use straight, angular components, which can be a limitation in environments where more organic, curved designs are desired to match the architecture or brand aesthetics. However, it's important to note that you can utilise acrylic for curved areas and fix them to the MSS to allow for specific designs to work in more organic areas.

CONCLUSION

Wayfinding Modular Sign Systems offer a versatile, customisable, and long-lasting solution for various environments that require comprehensive wayfinding strategies. Their adaptability and scalability make them suitable for office buildings, healthcare facilities and educational institutions, to name a few.

When implemented thoughtfully, MSS can provide an effective, updateable wayfinding solution that gives visitors a better navigation experience for many years.

When considering an MSS trade partner, choosing a provider with expertise in manufacturing and delivering high-quality components is essential. Look for partners that offer customisation options, reliability, and a track record of successful manufacture and delivery to the trade.

CASE STUDIES: MSS IN ACTION

The overall versatility and impact of MSS is best illustrated through real-world applications. Let's look at case studies demonstrating how MSS can be successfully implemented in various environments, addressing unique challenges and meeting specific requirements.

Case Study 1: Comprehensive Hospital Wayfinding

Client: Large NHS Hospital 

Project: Extensive wayfinding signage system for a newly established department

Challenge: Manufacture a comprehensive wayfinding signage system for a complex hospital environment, ensuring clarity, tactile and braille accessibility and brand consistency.

Solution:

• Manufactured a diverse range of signs:

  • Projection-mounted signs

  • Wall-mounted directory-style signs

  • Door-mounted signs

• Customisation features:

  • Wet paint sprayed to match exact Pantone and RAL colours

  • Incorporated raised tactile lettering and braille

  • Silk-screened printed lettering for durability

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Outcome: The new wayfinding system significantly improved navigation within the hospital, enhancing patient and visitor experience while maintaining brand consistency across all signage.

Case Study 2: University Campus Navigation

Client: Major University 

Project: Large-scale wayfinding project across campus

Challenge: Create a cohesive wayfinding system for a sprawling university campus with diverse buildings and departments.

Solution:

• Produced a variety of sign types:

  • Wall-mounted signs

  • Projection-mounted directory-style signs

  • Door-mounted signs

• Key features:

  • Consistent wet spray finish matching specified Pantone and RAL colours

  • Incorporated raised lettering, tactile elements, and braille

  • Silkscreen printed for clear, long-lasting information

Outcome: The new modular signage system blended and unified the campus aesthetically while significantly improving the overall experience of students, staff, and visitors navigating the campus.

Case Study 3: Corporate Office Signage

Client: Large Corporate Office 

Project: Comprehensive internal wayfinding signage and directory system

Challenge: Develop a flexible, professional signage system for a dynamic corporate environment with frequently changing information.

Solution:

• Manufactured a range of sign types:

  • Wallet-style signs for easy updates

  • Wall-mounted directory-style signs

  • Door-mounted signs

  • Various projection-mounted signs

• Special features:

  • Straightforward perspex wallets with aluminium panels for wall and door mounting

  • Silkscreen printed lettering and branding for a polished look

Outcome: The new signage system provided the client with a professional, easily updatable wayfinding signage solution that:

• improved the sharing of regular essential information updates, 

• improved the overall internal navigation experience, 

• reflected the company's brand identity throughout the office space.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

These case studies show the versatility and effectiveness of Modular Sign Systems across various sectors:

1. Adaptability:

   MSS can be customised to meet the unique needs of different environments, from complex hospitals to sprawling campuses and dynamic corporate offices.

2. Consistency:

   MSS enabled consistent branding and design across all projects, creating a cohesive visual identity.

3. Accessibility:

   Incorporating tactile elements and braille ensures that wayfinding solutions are accessible to all users.

4. Flexibility:

   MSS offers solutions for static and changing environments, from easily updatable wallet-style signs to permanent installations.

5. Quality:

   Using durable materials and high-quality printing techniques ensures long-lasting, professional results.

By leveraging the strengths of Modular Sign Systems, organisations can create effective, branded wayfinding solutions that enhance user experience and navigation in any environment.

By highlighting RMC Wayfinding's offerings, we aim to provide an example of what to look for in an MSS trade manufacturing partner. 

Remember to evaluate any potential partner based on your specific project requirements and how well their services align with your needs.

FEATURED PROVIDER: RMC DIGITAL PRINT

To give you a concrete example of an MSS provider, let's look at RMC Wayfinding, part of the RMC Digital Print Group. Please note that while we're featuring RMC Wayfinding, other providers in the market may offer similar or different services. Always research multiple options to find the best fit for your specific needs.

About RMC Digital Print

RMC Wayfinding is a manufacturer and supplier specialising in Modular Sign Systems. They focus on producing and delivering MSS components, particularly for wall and door-mounted signage solutions.

Key Offerings

1. Manufacturing Expertise

   : RMC Wayfinding has extensive experience manufacturing and delivering Modular Sign Systems for the trade. Their team understands the intricacies of MSS, with a particular focus on door-mounted and wall-mounted solutions.

2. Advanced Printing Technology

   : RMC Wayfinding delivers high-quality, vibrant MSS components using state-of-the-art MSS production and printing capabilities. Their technology allows for precise colour matching, crisp text, and tactile and braille options.

3. Customisation Options

   : RMC Wayfinding offers various customisation choices including:

   • Different finishes (mill finish, wet spray, screen print, and vinyl application)

   • Braille and tactile options for accessibility compliance

   • Specialised wall and door-mounted sign options for office and facility identification

4. Quality Assurance

   : RMC Wayfinding implements rigorous quality control processes to ensure that every MSS component meets high standards of durability and appearance.

5. Reliable Delivery

   : RMC Wayfinding focuses on the timely delivery of MSS components throughout the UK, ensuring they are delivered on-site when needed.

GET IN TOUCH

Looking for the MSS trade partner you deserve? Contact the RMC wayfinding team for more info at or . Follow us on LinkedIn, X/ Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, for all our latest updates.

Are you interested in learning more about Hospital Wayfinding Signage? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!