How Sliding Doors Facilitate Staff Well-Being in Healthcare Environments

Hospital design practices are well-known for considering the impact a facility can have on shaping patient care quality. But perhaps less recognised is how healthcare environments can significantly improve or reduce staff well-being and productivity.

Among the various design elements influencing the standard of working environments for staff, are a hospital’s doors and doorsets.  

Doors have the potential to optimise the overall effectiveness of healthcare settings, such as facility hygiene and workflow efficiency.  

Sliding doors, like Specialist Door Solutions Ltd.’s (SDS) newest product, Clariglide, are revolutionising healthcare environments for employees with their multifaceted benefits. 

The Impact of Sliding Doors on Staff Wellbeing and Mobility 

Hospitals are bustling environments with a constant flow of patients, staff, and equipment. Recent research underscores the critical nature of well-designed healthcare environments in reducing stress, enhancing patient safety, and boosting staff effectiveness.

A literature review by The Center for Health Design explored how the design of healthcare facilities can impact staff well-being, safety and movement. 

The high volume of patient and staff movement within hospitals emphasises the importance of door design in creating an efficient workflow. The physical design of healthcare facilities has significant potential to reduce environmental stressors and create a restorative experience for patients and staff.  

Sliding doors help efficiency by improving accessibility for both patients and staff, including those with mobility challenges. They streamline workflows, and their ease-of-use, mobility-optimised design, hygienic surfaces, and optional privacy controls contribute to a better overall healthcare experience for both patients and staff. 

The Impact of Ergonomic Design on Staff Stress and Fatigue 

Poor ergonomics can exacerbate physical strain and stress among healthcare professionals. Pati et al. (2008) identified ergonomics as a crucial design aspect associated with employee stress, while Wingler and Keys (2019) pointed out that design elements like travel distance, seating options, movable equipment, lift load, and reach distance are all related to physical fatigue among healthcare workers.  

These ergonomic factors cause fatigue by exerting physical forces on staff members. Sliding doors minimise physical exertion and allow for easier movement of equipment.  

By integrating ergonomic principles into the design of hospital doorsets, facilities can significantly reduce acute stress among staff, improving their overall well-being and job satisfaction. 

Reducing Stress with Enhanced Patient Visibility and Treatment 

Mental exhaustion among healthcare professionals has become increasingly critical, particularly in times of global health challenges.

Sliding doors with all-glass panels, such as Clariglide, enhance patient visibility without the need for direct room entry, reducing disruption and infection risks. Optional integral blinds offer additional privacy control and light management, further supporting a conducive healing environment. 

Future-Proofing Healthcare Spaces with Clariglide - The Innovative All-Glass Sliding Door Solution 

Sliding doors set a new benchmark in healthcare door solutions by not only meeting current regulatory standards but also anticipating future demands.

Clariglide's design incorporates antimicrobial materials, ensuring easy maintenance and adaptability to evolving healthcare needs. Its robust construction and low-friction running gear guarantee smooth operation even in high-traffic areas. 

Additional Benefits of Clariglide: 

• Sound-Dampening Mechanisms: Quiet closing mechanisms reduce disturbance and stress. 

• Space-Saving Design: Sliding doors eliminate the need for clearance space in front of doorways, maximising usable space in busy corridors. 

• Efficient Traffic Flow: Facilitating smoother movement of staff, patients, and equipment, minimising travel distances and enhancing workflow efficiency. 

• Aesthetics: Appealing design and customisable colour options create a pleasant working environment. 

Integrating sliding doors like Clariglide into healthcare facility design not only enhances patient care and operational efficiency, but also supports the well-being of healthcare professionals.

These innovations signify a proactive step towards creating environments that foster improved care outcomes and staff satisfaction. 

For more information on Clariglide and to explore customised solutions for your healthcare facility, contact our sales team directly for personalised guidance and quotes.