RESEARCH

ICU Patient Family Stress Recovery During Breaks in a Hospital Garden and Indoor Environments

Stress scores improved significantly after all breaks, but sadness scores dropped by 18% in the garden compared to only 5% indoors (p = .0321), showing the garden was more effective at relieving emotional distress. Family members were also far more likely to choose the garden—with an odds ratio 7.5 times higher than the waiting rooms—suggesting that nature settings are not only more beneficial, but also more appealing during times of high stress.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Burnout/Workplace Stress

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This study looked at how taking short breaks in different hospital environments—like a garden, atrium café, or ICU waiting room—impacts the stress levels of family members visiting loved ones in intensive care units (ICUs). Forty-two family members took part in a total of 128 breaks across the different spaces. Before and after each break, they completed a quick mood questionnaire to rate how scared, sad, angry, tired, worried, or in pain they felt. The goal was to find out whether breaks in nature-rich environments, like a hospital garden, could help relieve emotional stress better than typical indoor spaces.

The results showed that all environments helped reduce stress, but the garden consistently led to greater improvements, especially in feelings of sadness. Families overwhelmingly preferred the garden for their breaks, choosing it much more often than the indoor waiting rooms. The garden’s calming natural setting—with plants, flowers, and peaceful seating—seemed to offer a better emotional escape from the stressful ICU atmosphere. The study shows that including well-designed outdoor spaces in hospitals can meaningfully support the mental health of visitors during difficult times.

Link

Ulrich, R.S., Cordoza, M., Gardiner, S.K. et al. (2020). ICU patient family stress recovery during breaks in a hospital garden indoor environment. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 13(2), 83-102.

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