Waiting Room Etiquette

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Whether you’re going for a counselling session, a dental check-up or a regular GP appointment, we’ve all experienced the wonders of the waiting room. We often spend a lot more time in a waiting room than we do other parts of a medical practice, and [url=https://www.dentec.com.au/medical-fitouts/]medical fitouts Melbourne[/url] wide play a part in making a waiting area inviting and welcoming. But are you aware of the golden rules when it comes to waiting room etiquette? There are a number of unspoken rules and general guidelines when it comes to etiquette, and what to bear in mind when you’re attending a medical practice for an appointment.

Here, we’ll run you through a list of tips for you to consider on your next trip to the dentist, doctor or hospital.

Punctuality
Medical staff appreciate when you’re on time for an appointment. In fact, they might even prefer for you to be early, with the reason for this being that there is often paperwork to complete and the quicker they are able to process your check-in, the quicker they’ll be able to get to other patients who are also attending ...
... the practice. Make sure to phone reception in the event that you might be running late, and be prepared to wait longer if this is the case.

Privacy
Respecting other people’s privacy is an important element of waiting room etiquette. Why you are attending an appointment at a clinic is nobody’s business but yours. Greeting people is okay and many will often respond to be polite, but asking them why they are there or any personal details is considered grossly inappropriate. Many patients don’t want to engage in small talk or chit chat before an appointment, particularly if they are attending an appointment to discuss matters that are serious or difficult. It’s okay to make yourself comfortable in the waiting room area, but don’t get too comfortable – sprawling yourself across multiple chairs or putting your feet up on coffee tables and sofas is not appropriate behaviour in a public space. It’s important to be considerate and respect that the waiting room that is shared with others.

Food and Beverage
The waiting room is probably not the best place for you to eat your lunch, so try to eat before attending an appointment. If you really can’t wait, make sure that anything that you bring to eat is easy to clean up, as some offices and buildings don’t have janitorial services meaning that the staff who work there will often have to clean up after you. Messy, loud food and bad odours are a real big no no, so try and save it for after your visit. Beverages are okay in some waiting rooms but again this is down to the individual medical practice. Water is allowed, but other drinks like coffee should again perhaps be saved for when you leave.

Technology
Make sure that you don’t take or make any phone calls in the waiting room as this is considered impolite. Nobody needs to know your business and it can serve as a distraction for other clients waiting for their appointment. Texting is okay as long as your phone is on silent. Same goes for iPads and laptops – make sure they are on silent and don’t play any music or videos in the waiting room.

Children
The above note on technology actually feeds into this section as well, as it is really important to consider how technology plays a part when it comes to attending appointments with young ones. Of course nobody expects kids to be silent, but finding ways to keep them entertained, whether it be a silent game or a book, is a good way to make the waiting room experience a smooth, quiet one for everyone involved. And this is an obvious statement, but don’t leave young children unattended in the waiting room as they are solely your responsibility.

By respecting others and your surroundings, you can ensure that everyone attending a clinic or practice will feel at ease for their appointment.