FINAL PROJECT: Abstract and Reader's Reponse > Selected Evidence of the Effects of Hospital Aesthetics on the Healing Process

Abstract: Design aesthetics in healthcare settings improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. Hospitals, office spaces and clinics are traditionally designed with bland colors, simple decorations and poor lighting. However, evidence suggests that design elements such as brighter color, natural lighting, nature, and artwork provide positive distractions that help reduce stress and improve the patients overall well-being. This paper will analyze the existing research of the effects of each design element to demonstrate the benefits aesthetics through reduction of stress positive distractions. Personal testaments from former patients will also present the importance of design elements. This article will provide suggestions, based on the research findings, for the improvement of healthcare facilities including hospitals and private offices. While this information will not help in diagnosis, the knowledge can help improve the holistic understanding of patient care.

Reader’s Profile: Medical school students are interested in diagnosing and treating patients, and my paper will provide a deeper understanding of patient needs during treatment and recovery. This paper will give concrete evidence of an idea that is generally believed to be true by doctors.

Reader’s Response: Some of these studies only showed trends toward and did not produce statistically significant results. How can we believe that design aesthetics are actually important if they do not produce statistically significance between control and treatment groups? Also individual differences are so great, how can we be sure that these elements will help all patients. What if a certain paint color will actually cause stress in some patients? How do we account for these individual differences?
May 5, 2017 | Unregistered CommenterEF
L -- good description of such a reader. Perhaps address with this idea; not all knowledge is developed by studies relying on statistics. Sometimes, we use a sense of feeling or wisdom, to guide us in some decisions.

I am looking forward to this. As a patient and a person. :)
May 7, 2017 | Registered CommenterMarybeth Shea