RESEARCH

Effects of Biophilic Nature Imagery on Indexes of Satisfaction in Medically Complex Physical Rehabilitation Patients: An Exploratory Study

Patients in hospital rooms with biophilic nature imagery rated their environment significantly higher in terms of attractiveness, calmness, and relaxation compared to standard rooms (p = .007). Although trends indicated improvements in pain control, sleep quality, and overall care, these differences were not statistically significant.
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Summary

This study explored the impact of biophilic nature imagery on patient satisfaction in hospital rooms for medically complex physical rehabilitation patients. Researchers compared 47 patients in enhanced rooms with nature-themed curtains and posters to 29 patients in standard rooms without such imagery. Results showed that patients in enhanced rooms rated their environment significantly higher on the Environmental Assessment Scale, with perceptions of their rooms being more colorful, calming, relaxing, and attractive. While trends suggested improvements in pain control, sleep quality, and overall care in the enhanced rooms, these differences were not statistically significant.

The findings suggest that incorporating nature imagery into hospital room design can improve patient satisfaction and create a more positive environment for healing. This low-cost intervention has potential applications in healthcare settings where real nature exposure is not feasible, such as sterile procedure rooms or spaces for immunocompromised patients. Future research is needed to explore the broader impacts of biophilic design on patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Link

Wichrowski, M.J., Cocoran, J.R., Haas, F. et al. (2021). Effects of biophilic nature imagery on indexes of satisfaction in medically complex physical rehabilitation patients: An exploratory study. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 14(3), 288-304

 

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