I recently got a call from someone who lives outside of Philadelphia: she needed a map of the hospital she was visiting. The hospital is in downtown Philadelphia and she wanted to know where she should drop off her son and park. She found my website and thought I might have a map of the hospital.
I called the marketing department and provided information about the person's needs. The marketing person said the lady could go to their website and view a map. I explained that the lady requested a map be mailed to her that also gave instructions on what she needed to do, like where to park.
Even with today's technology there is still a need for old-fashioned, personal service. Maps are very important in finding where we need to be. In today's world there are multiple options to find a location. GPS systems, online maps, and smartphones help someone get to a medical campus but what next? How does a visitor enter the campus? Where should she park? Is there a patient drop-off area? Which entrance should a visitor versus a patient use? These are questions for which customers need answers.
Customized maps of the long-term facilities not only help someone better understand their campus, it adds a personal touch that shows it is a caring community. If a person better understands how to navigate the exterior campus and interior hallways, then they are likely to have a more satisfying experience.
Customized maps are an excellent wayfinding tool and great opportunity to communicate important facility information. The maps can be a printed brochure and the mapping images can be put on website. They can be promoted on Facebook and Twitter pages, mentioned in annual reports, used in patient guides, and promoted in marketing pieces – the more the maps are used the easier it becomes for patients and visitors to find where they need to be.
That's especially true if a facility takes the time to include the map with materials given to family members, or mails it to a rehabilitation patient scheduled to arrive for therapy. In today's technology world don't forget about the need to add a personal touch by having an attractive, helpful map of your campus and facility. Remember, many of your residents may prefer a map they can hold or read over being directed to a website.