Art Promotes a Healing Atmosphere in Hospital
The healing philosophy is a psychological and spiritual view of health. Over the last several decades, the integration of a therapeutic environment into medicine has taken a more holistic approach, transforming the hospital environment into an exciting place that influences the well-being of both staff and patients. Researchers have discovered that visual stimulation of nature, natural lighting, artwork, soothing colors, and therapeutic music may significantly hasten the healing process and make hospital environments less stressful. Author has conducted on-site observations and administered controlled surveys focusing on the hospital interior spaces and the favorable effects of art and daylighting on patient wellness and staff job satisfaction. Apparently, artwork and natural light have the ability to enable improved healing conditions for hospital patients and increase the job satisfaction of hospital staff. However, further study will be necessary to quantify and support this concept.
In this age of medicine, when there is heightened awareness about both the scientific nature of society as well as more holistic approaches to health care, renewed interest has developed in using healing environments to enhance quality care offering better patient experience. The hospital has been termed a therapeutic site because it serves as an environment for treating patients who are ill or injured. Research indicates that enhancing the healing environment through the incorporation of artwork, natural daylighting, soothing colors, and therapeutic music may significantly hasten the healing process and should be an integral part of any program for improving health care.
In addition to offering a much-needed outlet for patients who are confined to their rooms, artwork can enhance the quality of life in a hospital. Studies have indicated that art can stimulate positive emotions such as happiness and optimism. In fact, one study that examined brain activity during visits to galleries demonstrated a significantly different pattern of neuronal responses among patients who participated in gallery visits compared with those who did not participate. The author concluded that looking at art can significantly change a person’s affective state. A positive mood, especially during a period of stress or illness, is an important variable in the healing process.
Art has the potential to reduce stress levels and facilitate healing. One of the purposes of healthcare facilities should be to create an environment that promotes wellness rather than illness. The hospital environment can increase stress and anxiety for patients and staff when it is depressing or chaotic. The quality of life in such an environment can be improved by including visually stimulating artwork, natural daylighting and soothing colors in hospital spaces that are dedicated to healing environments.
source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/art-promotes-healing-atmosphere-hospital-dr-rehan-altaji/
