Stock Waiting Room With Kids in Mind
Question: I manage a practice that doesn’t focus on kids, but I know I see kids bored in the waiting room. What are some inexpensive ways kids can entertain themselves if their parent/guardian didn’t come prepared? Ohio Subscriber Answer: Kids don’t always have a choice about accompanying an adult to an appointment, and not everyone in a medical practice waiting room has the patience for children’s antics when they get bored. There are obvious ideas like coloring books or pages and crayons (which are better than colored pencils or markers because they don’t require as much upkeep or have as much potential for misuse), word search sheets, or activity books that you can stock, especially with a table or other flat surface or even clipboards for ease of use. If you have the space, some child-sized seating can both delight kids and help them feel at ease. Small toys may lead to fights or whining or other issues, but a puzzle or other toy mounted on a wall can be an efficient use of space for child entertainment. Similarly, a small wall-mounted book or magazine holder with some copies of child-appropriate stories, books where you search for particular objects, or magazines can bring some quiet, focused calm to your waiting room. Some pediatricians’ offices go all-out with a play kitchen, balance “stones” for the floor, and reusable drawing tablets in waiting rooms and even exam rooms, which can make the doctor’s office feel like a fun place to go instead of a place to dread. Keep in mind that surfaces that invite play from potentially sick kids may require additional cleaning than what your cleaning budget currently includes. Rachel Dorrell, MA, MS, CPC-A, CPPM, Production Editor, AAPC
