Digital signage in clinics and hospitals: A tool for smoother patient journeys

Digital signage in healthcare: Enhancing wayfinding and patient comfort

In a rapidly evolving sector, healthcare facilities face multiple challenges: improving patient experience, streamlining pathways, and ensuring consistent, clear communication. Digital signage—or screen-based communication—has emerged as a strategic tool to meet these demands. With this technology, hospital administrators, communications teams, and reception staff gain a visual, flexible, and effective tool that supports their daily operations and enhances the overall quality of service.

Wayfinding, reassurance, and information: Screens as anchors

In an environment often associated with stress, clarity of information is essential. Digital screens allow hospitals to display:

• Interactive maps or building directories to help visitors find the right departments,

• Health and safety messages or prevention campaigns,

• Real-time alerts, appointment delays, or temporary instructions in waiting areas and corridors.

By centralizing these updates on high-visibility screens, facilities reduce the burden on front-desk teams, ease navigation, and reassure patients and families—making the journey smoother and less anxiety-inducing.

Case study: AZ Sint-Lucas's clear, modern communication for patients

AZ Sint-Lucas, a Belgian clinic, demonstrates how digital signage can transform communication within a hospital setting. The facility has deployed over 100 information screens, all managed via the Zebrix platform, throughout reception areas, walkways, and waiting zones.

With this setup, teams can:

• Share welcome messages at the entrance,

• Broadcast targeted information by department,

• Deliver public health tips or behavioral guidelines.

This digital signage network enables AZ Sint-Lucas to standardize communications across departments while tailoring content to each medical unit.

Click here to discover the case study.

Zebrix: A purpose-built platform for healthcare environments

Zebrix is a cloud-based digital signage platform tailored to the operational and technical demands of clinics and hospitals. Its intuitive interface allows communications staff or reception teams to schedule content by time of day or activity peak, ensuring the right message appears at the right place and time.

Key capabilities include:

• Real-time updates for delays or temporary changes — for instance, notifying visitors of consultation delays or redirecting foot traffic during renovation works.

• Health campaign broadcasting in waiting rooms or public areas, such as seasonal flu alerts, breast cancer screening reminders, or hygiene tips during high-risk periods.

• Internal staff communication in break rooms or restricted zones, including HR updates, safety protocols etc.

When non-native screens are used, lightweight Zebrix media players ensure seamless integration. In the event of network interruptions, content is locally cached to guarantee uninterrupted playback.

Zebrix also provides built-in widgets (weather, health alerts, institutional RSS feeds), and campaign reporting tools to track content delivery and ensure consistent communication flow.

Beyond screens: A cross-functional tool to support patient wellbeing

Far more than just digital posters, screens become vehicles for empathy, clarity, and operational efficiency. Whether helping patients navigate complex layouts, alleviating wait time frustration, or reinforcing key public health messages, digital signage brings real benefits to healthcare environments.

For teams under increasing strain, the ability to automate and pre-schedule content offers a critical time-saving advantage—allowing staff to focus more on care than on logistics.

Optional Extension: Queue Management with Zebrix Queue

For facilities looking to go further in managing wait times and foot traffic, Zebrix offers a dedicated queue management system (QMS): Zebrix Queue. This solution enables real-time display of ticket calls and active queues, significantly improving the perceived wait experience in reception and consultation areas.

→ Learn more about Zebrix Queue

Ready to discover how Zebrix supports hospitals and clinics in their digital transformation?

👉 Request a personalized demo and explore how digital signage can help you communicate better, every step of the way.