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.

Here are 11 reasons why digital wayfinding tools in the healthcare industry are very important.

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.

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.

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 either kiosks or mobile options, visitors can conveniently make it through the confusing maze of buildings, complex corridors, parking lots, and banks of elevators.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 phone numbers. Content can be customized and shown in real-time across the entire property.

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.

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.