According to a 2019 survey, one billion Americans visited a doctor’s office during the year. The CDC states that in 2020 there were 860.4 million visits.
Most medical experts agree that the ideal patient load for a primary care provider is around 1,000. But many physicians argue that the current average is closer to 2,500. One organization, the American Association for Physician Leadership , says the number is nearly 3,000.
With so many people sitting in, touching, and variously using medical seating, it’s easy to understand why preserving the life of the product is so important. What’s more, there are laws that demand it.
Medical equipment should be inspected, checked, and tested regularly to ensure it is safe and operating effectively. Many federal and state regulatory agencies such as the FDA and OSHA require annual inspections of all medical equipment that comes in contact with patients in order to prevent injury or misdiagnosis.
There are also routine hygiene practices, plus cleanings after spills or contact with bodily fluids, and also deep cleanings that remove product parts in order to access areas typically out of reach.
Now factor in all the dents, scratches, stains, and tears that occur over time. Impressions matter. And the way a facility looks can quickly create doubt in the patients’ mind, making them wonder if they will receive the same haphazard level of attention and care as the furniture.
So Many Patients, So Little Time — So What Can I Do?
Medical equipment that continually needs to be repaired or replaced is bad for the budget, reduces productivity, degrades the physical environment and ambience, and likely lowers patient experience and health outcomes.
Materials, Craftsmanship, Purpose, Usage, Time, and Care are six factors within your control that contribute to the lifespan of your medical seating product.
#1: Materials
Choose seating that’s made with durable, premium materials. Going with something cheap is a temporary solution that will lead to more problems. Quality materials are better able to withstand repeated and prolonged use.
This doesn’t just include fabrics, though those are important choices too —of course, the surface that has the most patient contact should be durable and comfortable. But “materials” includes every part of the product, inside and out. Is it made of steel? wood? plastic? particle board? What kind of springs? What type of fasteners? Everything matters.
#2: Craftsmanship
Even the best materials in the world won’t last if they weren’t constructed properly. Quality craftsmanship from a reputable company is a must. Inferior work will cost you more in the long run, so be sure to have your medical seating made by licensed professionals, quality tested so it conforms to any necessary regulatory codes, and comes backed by manufacturer warranties.
#3: Purpose
Using a quality chair for the wrong purpose will shorten its lifespan. Make sure you pick the right chair for the job. Doctors wouldn’t use a hammer when they need a scalpel; similarly, medical seating is designed for specific uses and tailored for the task at hand.
Consider the functionality of the product and the procedures you will be performing. Select a searing solution that allows for X-rays, infusion treatments, surgeries, or whatever your providers and patients need.
#4: Usage
Who is most likely to use your medical seating? The injured? The sick? Elderly or bariatric patients? Patients with disabilities?
Maybe you’re in the market for lobby seating, recliners for patient rooms, treatment chairs, physician stools —whatever the need, consider a product with seat, back, leg, arm, and height-positioning components.
Adjustability in the seating system helps patients remain safe, maintain posture, and alleviate pain. Individualized sizing can increase function, mobility, skin protection, and sitting tolerance.
#5: Time
There will always be normal wear and tear that takes a toll over time. Plus, some people are harder on furniture than others, and some pieces of furniture will be used more than others. Consider high traffic areas and anticipate human error and negligence that could happen at some point.
#6: Care
Most people tend to take better care of their own property than something that belongs to others. Nobody takes their shoes off when they enter the clinic.
Taking proper care of medical seating involves cleaning and maintenance — to be sure the product looks and works as it should. Something that is cared for, intentionally looked after, and treated well will have an increased chance for a longer lifespan.
An Ounce of Prevention = A Pound of Cure
New Champion products exceed expectations and arrive meeting the key requirements for a long lifespan. But Champion goes above and beyond to assist you with criterion #6… Care
With our Champion Service+ preventative maintenance plan, you receive proactive, comprehensive service that preserves and protects your medical seating product(s). When your equipment is cared for, it’s consistently available and in top-notch condition, and that means your staff is free to focus on patient care.
Our ProServ quarterly visits include:
⚒️ Deep cleaning (pressure wash or manual cleaning)
→ Covers hard-to-reach spots, loosens tough dirt, neutralizes odor, and can help kill harmful bacteria
→ Includes use of a non-corrosive cleaner (with controlled pressure) to prevent any damages
⚒️ Multi-point inspection on each chair or product
→ Mechanical and electrical components — complete review and optimization, with repairs as needed
→ Upholstered parts — complete review and optimization, with repairs as needed
⚒️ Discount on repair and/or replacement parts purchased during the Agreement (PM visits or otherwise)
⚒️ Complete, written fleet assessment by serial # (including an infection control survey)
⚒️ Comprehensive in-servicing for clinical staff
⚒️ No bill for labor and travel on PM visits
Want to learn more about how Champion Service+ can keep your medical equipment in action, working and looking like new? Speak to a ChampionService+ representative at 1-800-998-5018, or click to request service.
