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Visual indicators such as exam room flags and lighting systems are not new to the health care industry. Healthcare practices from dentists and dermatologists to hospitals use visual status indicators to help physicians and nurses determine which exam room needs to be attended to next.
The need for them is clear and obvious. Offices need a system to help them identify the status of exam rooms without having to receive direction from staff or to repeatedly communicate what needs to be done. What might be in question, however, is which visual indicator is the best fit for your office?
While some physicians prefer high-tech lighting systems with audio because they alert staff with sight and sound. However, if you want a low-tech option that is less distracting, you might want to consider using exam room flags instead. They are cost-effective, easy to install and customizable. Exam room flags work best for offices that desire an easy, streamlined system that doesn’t take a lot of effort, time or money. Basically, you choose the exam room flag colors, mount them, and then create a system to determine which colors represent what part of the exam the patient is in. For example, using a white exam room flag to alert staff that the room is ready to be cleaned and prepped for the next patient.
Exam room flags are an easy, low-tech and affordable alternative to lighting systems that doesn’t depend on physicians and staff members to remember to push a new lighting button every time a new action needs to be taken. The exam room flags are mounted in front of the door so it is easy to see and remember to switch the appropriate exam room flag color for the appropriate action.
Ultimately however, the most important factor to consider in choosing a visual status indicator such as exam room flags is deciding which system is best for your practice. Take into account price, labor, time, usability and the needs of your staff. Will this new system be something that will be easy and practical enough to be used over a period of time or will it just collect dust, never to be used again? Although you may have to test it out to first before you know, thinking about these things in advance can significantly help you make an informative decision.
The bottom line is that every office needs a practical and efficient system to manage patient flow. Whether it is a lighting system or exam room flags, taking the time to determine which visual indicator system is appropriate and beneficial for your practice is a necessary part in effective office management.
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