Five Factors: Create a Lower Stress Healthcare Environment

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 4:43 PM by Betty Brennan in Design and Planning


5 factors to create a lower stress healthcare environment

In recent years it has become apparent that the healthcare market has an abundance of opportunities to incorporate exciting design elements into new and existing facilities. Not only are hospitals looking to add artistic elements to their buildings, they are also beginning to consider the healing aspects of bringing nature indoors.

When it comes to the concept of healing, stress reduction is a huge factor in patient recovery. Many experts agree that there are five key factors outside of prescribed medical treatment that create a lower stress environment and therefore play a part in wellness and recovery. Each of these elements can be provided to the patient through the design of the healthcare environment.

Stress Reducing Factors:

Give patients/visitors a sense of control Design adaptable/changeable elements into patient rooms giving visitors a sense of control. By allowing them to alter lighting, sound, or aesthetic elements within a space they can begin to feel more at ease and comfortable within the space.

Provide social support Create comfortable areas where patients and family members can meet with medical staff to discuss care plans.

Access to nature and positive distractions Allow patients to access natural outdoor areas or bring elements of nature indoors to increase relaxation.

Private Seating Areas Create secluded areas for families or patients to have moments of meditation or private discussion.

Control Noise Level Keep noise from traveling throughout the healthcare facility by creating barriers and using noise reducing materials.

As an exhibit designer, I often work with nature centers to educate visitors through exhibits that bring scenes of nature inside. I find it especially interesting that bringing natural scenes and elements inside healthcare facilities can alter the mood of the environment. By implementing thematic design elements within various areas of healthcare facilities we have the ability to create spaces that feel inviting, safe, professional, and relaxing.  It also allows for an element of whimsy and entertainment that can lighten even the direst situations. If these themed spaces can raise the spirits of patients, staff and visitors they will improve the overall healthcare experience and potentially lead to faster recovery times.

Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees.

— Karle Wilson Baker​

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