Easy on the eyes
Evidence that good design helps patients heal
The theory of biophilia suggests that, as humans, we possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. It's no wonder the infusion of biophilic design is transforming healthcare spaces—and the patient experience.
Healthcare center design has morphed into hotel-like architecture, décor, and amenities. But it's not just a superficial attempt to compete better. It's a discipline known as Evidence Based Design.
As Harvard Business Review puts it, “design has a measurable, desirable impact on clinical outcomes and cost. These evidence-based designs have saved lives, reduced pain, improved clinical outcomes, and made less painful (and even provided some delight during) some of the most difficult moments in people's lives."
The right design can create a welcoming and calming environment, and in healthcare, that experience promotes healing and positively impacts patients' mental and emotional states. In fact, studies have found that patients in a hospital room with a view of nature - even simulated, had lower stress levels and required less pain medication compared to those in rooms without.
Case in point: when one psychiatric clinic added serene nature visuals to a patient lounge, the need for certain antipsychotic drugs dropped 70%: “At a multi-purpose lounge of an acute psychiatric clinic in the U.S., “as needed" injections of antipsychotic drugs are used to manage patients who exhibit 'aggressive and agitated' behavior. In a study conducted in this space during the weeks that posters of realistic nature scenes were hung in the lounge, the administration of as-needed injections was 70% lower than when the walls were blank."
"…during the weeks that posters of realistic nature scenes were hung in the lounge, the administration of as-needed injections was 70% lower than when the walls were blank."
- Harvard Business Review
After a building remodel, Southern Oregon Orthopedics was determined to create a more enriching patient experience. Our design team worked with them to carefully select scenic imagery and signage finishes to accent the new space and to connect with its visitors through views of nature. This strategic approach provided benefits at several levels-- including visitor experience, and brand. The more the facility saw an impact from the change, the more value they realized and the more these types of solutions were implemented throughout the facility and the system.
In addition to improving patients' emotional well-being, biophilic design can have physiological benefits. Research has shown that exposure to nature, can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and improve respiratory function.
Better patient outcomes translate to lower costs, too. In the instance of the psychiatric facility, by reducing drug injections, the clinic projected an annual savings of more than $30,000, according to HBR.
A sound investment, when you put it that way.
Flexible solutions for every project.
Tell your brand story: Solutions for every market
Architects & Designers | Healthcare | Education | Corporate | Libraries | Senior Living | Government
Easy on the eyes
Evidence that good design helps patients heal
The theory of biophilia suggests that, as humans, we possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. It's no wonder the infusion of biophilic design is transforming healthcare spaces—and the patient experience.
Healthcare center design has morphed into hotel-like architecture, décor, and amenities. But it's not just a superficial attempt to compete better. It's a discipline known as Evidence Based Design.
As Harvard Business Review puts it, “design has a measurable, desirable impact on clinical outcomes and cost. These evidence-based designs have saved lives, reduced pain, improved clinical outcomes, and made less painful (and even provided some delight during) some of the most difficult moments in people's lives."
The right design can create a welcoming and calming environment, and in healthcare, that experience promotes healing and positively impacts patients' mental and emotional states. In fact, studies have found that patients in a hospital room with a view of nature - even simulated, had lower stress levels and required less pain medication compared to those in rooms without.
Case in point: when one psychiatric clinic added serene nature visuals to a patient lounge, the need for certain antipsychotic drugs dropped 70%: “At a multi-purpose lounge of an acute psychiatric clinic in the U.S., “as needed" injections of antipsychotic drugs are used to manage patients who exhibit 'aggressive and agitated' behavior. In a study conducted in this space during the weeks that posters of realistic nature scenes were hung in the lounge, the administration of as-needed injections was 70% lower than when the walls were blank."
"…during the weeks that posters of realistic nature scenes were hung in the lounge, the administration of as-needed injections was 70% lower than when the walls were blank."
- Harvard Business Review
After a building remodel, Southern Oregon Orthopedics was determined to create a more enriching patient experience. Our design team worked with them to carefully select scenic imagery and signage finishes to accent the new space and to connect with its visitors through views of nature.
This strategic approach provided benefits at several levels-- including visitor experience, and brand. The more the facility saw an impact from the change, the more value they realized and the more these types of solutions were implemented throughout the facility and the system.
In addition to improving patients' emotional well-being, biophilic design can have physiological benefits. Research has shown that exposure to nature, can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and improve respiratory function.
Better patient outcomes translate to lower costs, too. In the instance of the psychiatric facility, by reducing drug injections, the clinic projected an annual savings of more than $30,000, according to HBR.
A sound investment, when you put it that way.
Flexible Solutions for Every Project
Tell your brand story: Solutions for every market
Architects & Designers | Healthcare | Education | Corporate | Libraries | Senior Living | Government
