There is a growing body of evidence on the impact of the environment on health and well-being. This study focuses on the impact of visual artworks on the well-being of psychiatric patients in a multi-purpose lounge of an acute care psychiatric unit. Well-being was measured by the rate of pro re nata (PRN) medication issued by nurses in response to visible signs of patient anxiety and agitation. Nurses were interviewed to get qualitative feedback on the patient response. Findings revealed that the ratio of PRN/patient census was significantly lower on the days when a realistic nature photograph was displayed, compared to the control condition (no art) and abstract art. Nurses reported that some patients displayed agitated behaviour in response to the abstract image. This study makes a case for the impact of visual art on mental well-being. The research findings were also translated into the time and money invested on PRN incidents, and annual cost savings of almost $US30,000 a year was projected. This research makes a case that simple environmental interventions like visual art can save the hospital costs of medication, and staff and pharmacy time, by providing a visual distraction that can alleviate anxiety and agitation in patients.
Data analysis shows that the introduction of distraction conditions was associated with more calm behavior and less fine and gross movement, suggesting significant calming effects associated with the distraction conditions. Data also suggest that positive distraction conditions are significant attention grabbers and could be an important contributor to improving the waiting experience for children in hospitals by improving environmental attractiveness.
There is a growing body of evidence on using art as a positive distraction to improve health outcomes. However, there is little research on art for patient rooms, patients' stated art preferences, and how these compare with the art preferences of those with an art or design background. This article addresses the issue and describes the findings of an art survey containing both best-selling art images and images considered appropriate for health care. Sixty-seven hospital patients, 75 interior design students, and 50 building science/architecture students were surveyed. Images were rated on emotional response (how does this picture make you feel) and selection (would you put this picture in your room). Significant differences across the three populations were found for art preferences along the two rating scales and correspondence between emotional impact and selection of artwork. In addition, level of design exposure and gender were also seen to have an effect.
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