Digital signage has evolved significantly from simple digital displays into sophisticated information, entertainment, advertising and management tools that are transforming the healthcare experience in both large institutions and smaller practices. This is largely due to developments in software and more cost-effective solutions which offer good value.  

Here are some of the ways digital signage is being used to enhance various aspects of the healthcare industry:  

Patient Experience   

Adding digital screens to waiting rooms that display high quality, informative and entertaining content can reduce perceived waiting times. Patients feel less agitated or frustrated when they are visually and mentally stimulated.   

Depending on the nature of the healthcare practice or institution information can be shared with patients about diseases, procedures and healthcare tips to improve their health and knowledge.  

For larger facilities like clinics, medical campuses and hospitals interactive way-finder maps and information boards are being used to direct patients and visitors and highlight key areas. This greatly improves the patient experience and overall efficiency as staff are also less burdened with unnecessarily directing patients and visitors.  

Healthcare practices are very clinical in all senses of the word and this can be impersonal and even daunting for nervous patients. Familiarizing patients with staff members and their practising physicians can make the patient experience more personal and build trust. Digital signage can make this very engaging with introduction videos or by highlighting the individual characters of the staff or professional achievements of the medical practitioners.     

Staff Communication  

Staff facing digital screens can double as portals where training videos, notices and updated procedures can be viewed and revisited at any time. This keeps staff up to date and allows them to refresh past raining without needing to schedule additional physical training sessions.  

Staff facing digital signage can be used for patient intake information, scheduling, up to date patient status and effectively communicating important notices immediately.  

Digital signage is very effective in alerting patients and visitors about emergencies and procedures in case of fires, disasters and security breaches. This assists staff by communicating vital information to patients throughout the facility. An effective network of screens on a network can be configured to provide information across all screens simultaneously at the press of a button.  

The Healthcare Practice or Institution   

Digital signage is a very effective way to advertise or promote services and products offered by a healthcare facility. This is more engaging than pamphlets or static advertisements that take up space and are largely ineffective in the digital world.    

Disseminating information and spreading campaigns can be done very effectively through digital signage. There is no wasted time or money that comes from printing and distributing material. Content can be loaded immediately and scheduled for specific times of the day or for a defined period of time. This is not only more efficient but more effective because the message reaches more patients more often.    

Healthcare practices are clean and professional environments, but they can tend to look generic. Digital signage can communicate branding and differentiate from other competitors and reinforce brand messaging in a way that resonates with patients.