What kind of reading material should I provide in a waiting room

Okay, so I’m opening a small practice – it’s a podiatry clinic, specifically – and I’m trying to figure out what kind of magazines and brochures I should have in the waiting room. I want to have a good selection, something that will appeal to different age groups and interests, but I also don’t want to spend a fortune on subscriptions or end up with a huge pile of outdated stuff.

I’m thinking some general interest magazines are a must, but I also want something that maybe ties in a little bit to the practice, without being overly… "medical" feeling, you know? And what about older folks? They make up a good portion of my potential patients. Should I be catering specifically to them? And kids? I might get the occasional parent bringing in a child, so should I have anything for them?

Basically, I’m just looking for ideas that are engaging, reasonably priced, and won’t be completely inappropriate for the setting. What have you seen work well in other waiting rooms? Or if you were a patient, what would you want to read?

Answer

Selecting reading materials for a waiting room requires careful consideration of your target audience, the overall atmosphere you want to create, and the potential length of wait times. Variety is key to catering to different tastes and preferences.

Magazines:

• General Interest: Magazines like Time, Newsweek, or The Week offer a concise overview of current events. They are suitable for a broad audience and provide easily digestible content.
• Lifestyle: Titles such as Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, or Good Housekeeping can appeal to a wide demographic, particularly those interested in home improvement, cooking, and practical advice.
• Travel: National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, or regional travel magazines can provide escapism and inspiration.
• Business/Finance: Forbes, The Economist, or Bloomberg Businessweek might be suitable for a more professional clientele or a business-oriented setting.
• Health/Wellness: Prevention, Health, or Men’s Health can offer relevant information in healthcare waiting rooms, but be mindful of potential anxieties they might trigger. Ensure the information is reputable and evidence-based.
• Sports: Sports Illustrated or regional sports magazines can cater to sports enthusiasts.
• Fashion/Beauty: Vogue, Elle, or Harper’s Bazaar might appeal to a specific demographic but could also be seen as exclusionary.
• Specialty Magazines: Consider magazines related to your specific field. For example, a veterinary clinic might offer pet-related magazines like Dog Fancy or Cat Fancy.

Books:

• Short Story Collections: Anthologies of short stories are ideal for waiting rooms as they offer complete narratives that can be enjoyed in a limited timeframe.
• Essays: Collections of essays on diverse topics can provide thought-provoking and engaging reading material.
• Non-Fiction (Popular Science, History, Biography): Choose accessible and engaging non-fiction books that are not overly academic. Biographies of well-known figures, popular science books on interesting topics, or accessible history books can be good choices.
• Humor: Lighthearted and humorous books can help ease anxiety and provide a pleasant distraction.
• Puzzle Books: Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and other puzzle books can provide mental stimulation and entertainment.

Newspapers:

• Local Newspaper: Providing a local newspaper keeps people informed about community events and news.
• National Newspaper: A national newspaper like The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal (depending on your clientele) can offer broader coverage of current events.

Brochures and Informational Materials:

• Practice/Company Information: Provide brochures or pamphlets about your services, staff, and policies. This is a valuable opportunity to educate patients or clients.
• Health Information: In healthcare settings, offer brochures and pamphlets on relevant health topics. Ensure the information is accurate, up-to-date, and from reputable sources.
• Community Resources: Provide information about local community resources, such as support groups, social services, and recreational activities.

Considerations:

• Target Audience: Tailor the reading materials to the demographics and interests of your typical clients or patients.
• Variety: Offer a mix of different genres and topics to cater to diverse preferences.
• Reading Level: Choose materials that are easy to read and understand. Avoid overly technical or academic language.
• Length: Select materials that can be easily consumed in short periods of time.
• Currency: Regularly update the magazines and newspapers to ensure the information is current.
• Cleanliness and Condition: Keep the reading materials clean, well-maintained, and in good condition. Replace worn or damaged items promptly.
• Accessibility: Ensure that reading materials are accessible to people with disabilities. Consider providing large-print editions or audiobooks.
• Space: Consider the amount of space available for storing and displaying reading materials.
• Budget: Set a budget for purchasing and maintaining reading materials.
• Subscription Services: Consider using a magazine subscription service to ensure a regular supply of new issues.
• Digital Options: Consider offering access to digital magazines or newspapers via a tablet or Wi-Fi for personal devices.
• Controversial Topics: Avoid materials that are likely to be offensive or controversial.
• Children’s Materials: If children are likely to be present, provide age-appropriate books, magazines, and coloring books.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural diversity and choose materials that are inclusive and respectful of all cultures.
• Branding: Consider incorporating your brand into the reading materials. For example, you could create a custom magazine or newsletter with information about your business.
• Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of your reading materials. Choose recycled paper and consider offering digital options.
• Feedback: Ask for feedback from your clients or patients about the reading materials you provide. This will help you to improve your selection over time.

By carefully considering these factors, you can create a waiting room environment that is welcoming, informative, and engaging for your clients or patients.