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Visual art in hospitals: Case studies and review of the evidence
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In 2006 a Department of Health Working Group on Arts and Health reported that the arts have 'a clear contribution to make and offer major opportunities in the delivery of better health, wellbeing and improved experience for patients, service users and staff alike'. In this review we examine the evidence underpinning this statement and evaluate the visual art of three of Scotland's newest hospitals: the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the new Stobhill Hospital, and the new Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow. We conclude that art in hospitals is generally viewed positively by both patients and staff, but that the quality of the evidence is not uniformly high. Effects may be mediated by psychological responses to colour hue, brightness and saturation. Colours that elicit high levels of pleasure with low levels of arousal are most likely to induce a state of calm, while those causing displeasure and high levels of arousal may provoke anxiety. The fact that patients frequently express a preference for landscape and nature scenes is consistent with this observation and with evolutionary psychological theories which predict positive emotional responses to flourishing natural environments. Contrary to a view which may prevail among some contemporary artists, patients who are ill or stressed about their health may not always be comforted by abstract art, preferring the positive distraction and state of calm created by the blues and greens of landscape and nature scenes instead.
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... However, relatively little is known in the scientific literature about the experiences, significance and meaning of visual art to patients and their families visiting or staying in hospitals. Several studies focus on the interior design of hospital buildings and ask patients' opinions about light, colour and art in relation to how they feel during their stay (Lankston et al. 2010;Nielsen et al. 2017). Kristina Timonen and Tero Timonen focus on 'art-viewing' and underline the personal and subjective nature of patients' experiences and preferences, e.g. a 'warmer and more homelike' feel (2021: 1). ...
Little is known about the effects of visual art in hospitals on the health and well-being of patients and their families. This study investigates how patients and their families experience visual art in a hospital and what it means to them. The authors employ a phenomenological-interpretive design, incorporating participant observations, micro-interviews, in-depth interviews and a co-creative session with patients and their families. The experience of art in the hospital takes place within a triangular field of visual art (which is experienced passively, actively and neutrally) by the person (in the role of patient or family) and the hospital (building environment and its care function). The presence of visual art in hospitals can touch patients and their families emotionally, fostering a sense of home and humanity, stimulating imagination and fantasy and providing a welcome distraction. Visual art contributes to a more pleasant and relaxed environment.
... As suggested by 32 , retired individuals often show a strong inclination towards traditional art, such as Chinese freehand painting and classical music. These art forms extend beyond visual and auditory elements, evoking cultural identity and providing emotional comfort and psychological satisfaction 33 . ...
Using the nominal group technique (NGT) and a structured questionnaire, this study investigates whether gender differences influence preferences for various attributes of Chinese freehand painting, a traditional Chinese painting technique, among retired Chinese individuals. First, the NGT was used to identify 17 attributes desired by the population. These attributes were then used to formulate the questionnaire, which allowed for the identification and prioritization of key characteristics through group discussion. The questionnaire was completed by 116 male and 117 female participants, enabling a comparative analysis of preferences between genders. The findings indicate that gender does not significantly affect preferences for most attributes of Chinese freehand painting. Specific characteristics, such as “the colour should not be too bright;” “relaxed, simple, and flexible brushwork;” and “natural scenery,” showed no significant gender-based differences, suggesting a shared appreciation among male and female participants. Although minor variations were observed for certain attributes, these differences were not substantial enough to suggest that gender is a primary factor in shaping aesthetic preferences. This study concludes that retirees’ preferences regarding Chinese freehand painting are not significantly influenced by gender. This study provides new insights into the art preferences of retired individuals, supporting the development of marketing strategies and art education programmes for older populations. By exploring retirees’ perceptions of Chinese freehand painting, this study contributes to the promotion and cultural inheritance of this traditional art form. The findings highlight consistent patterns of appreciation across genders rather than significant gender-based differences.
... Visual art has the potential to beautify hospitals, and in doing so make them more relatable and more humane. Lankston et al. [28] discussed the role of visual art displayed in hospitals in promoting not only patients' well-being but also that of healthcare workers and other service users. The authors evaluate and discuss the visual art of three Scottish hospitals and explain that specific colors, such as blue and green, and paintings of nature may be especially calming. ...
For decades, art in its many forms has been used to improve patients’ quality of life and mental health. A growing amount of literature has shown the effectiveness of active visual art therapy (AVAT) on different patient outcomes and highlighted the need for international collaboration and harmonization of research methods. Evidence regarding AVAT inside the general hospital is still limited. This context poses unique challenges in terms of feasibility, heterogeneity, settings, and type of participants, together with significant ethical implications in terms of humanization of care. This narrative review aimed to report the available data on the effectiveness of visual art therapy in the general hospital and discuss them through the lens of the key bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice introduced by Childress and Beauchamp. Current evidence supports the effectiveness of AVAT on children and adult inpatients’ outcomes, particularly in the areas of pain control, anxiety, and depression, therefore supporting the individual’s autonomy and beneficence. With regard to justice and equity, AVAT proved to be a safe and cost-effective adjunct intervention to medical management inside the hospital. A more in-depth understanding of the ethical aspects implied in using AVAT in the general hospital may add a further contribution to the implementation of art interventions in patient-centered care.
... hospitalar (SHEPLEY;PASHA, 2013;ULRICH et al., 2004); c) estímulos específicos da ambiência, p. ex. arte (LANKSTON et al., 2010); presença de vegetação ( VAN DER BERG, 2005;MARCUS, 2006); conforto acústico (ULRICH et al., 2004); d) relevância de achados científicos (SCHWEITZER et al., 2004); entre outros. Segundo a revisão de Villela (2017), alguns dos benefícios ao bem-estar relacionados à ambiência podem incluir: promoção de relaxamento; promoção de emoções positivas; restauração da atenção e redução do estresse psicofisiológico; melhoria na qualidade do sono; redução de medicamentos para dor; sensação de segurança; conforto térmico; entre outros. ...
INTRODUÇÃO Com o objetivo de investigar possíveis indicadores de estímulos ambientais favoráveis ao processo de envelhecimento, este artigo explora o cruzamento obtido a partir dos resultados de duas pesquisas distintas-uma com foco na habitação de suporte para o envelhecimento ativo e saudável (SILVEIRA, 2019) e outra com foco nos estímulos ambientais influenciadores do bem-estar, em ambientes terapêuticos (VILLELA, 2017). Unidas pelo elo qualitativo da habitabilidade-que preza pelo atendimento às variáveis de um projeto arquitetônico de forma coerente com a vivência proposta na espacialidade concreta-seus resultados foram revistos e analisados sob a ótica do bem-estar ambiental para o favorecimento do envelhecimento saudável.
BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals face numerous stressors in their roles, including heavy workloads and patient care responsibilities, which can impact their mental health. Neuroaesthetics, the scientific study of how contemplating artwork affects the brain, has shown that integrating art into hospital environments can boost morale among patients, staff, and visitors and potentially aid in healing processes and clinical outcomes. Providing activities like engaging with visual arts can promote resilience in the workplace and support overall employee well-being and engagement. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to enhance workplace appreciation and employee engagement by offering a neuroaesthetics experience to 30 healthcare female professionals. METHODS: We conducted a study with 30 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and administrators, at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). Participants were invited to take part in specialized art tours organized by Women in Art and the UTSW curator. These tours were held in the scientific and clinical buildings of UTSW, allowing participants to directly engage with strategically placed artworks in their professional environment. During the tours, participants received detailed explanations about the artworks, learned about the selection processes, engaged in discussions about color usage, and explored various artistic mediums. After the tours, participants completed an anonymous survey via REDCap to assess their perceptions of the tour's impact on workplace appreciation and well-being. The survey gathered qualitative data through written feedback about their experiences and quantitative data using a rating scale from 0 to 10 to measure overall tour satisfaction. RESULTS: Of the 30 participants 97 responded that the art tour enhanced their appreciation for the workplace and 70% of employees rated their art experience as a 10 on a scale from of 0-10. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that activities promoting resilience in the workplace can enhance employee engagement and foster a positive work environment. To capitalize on these benefits, future efforts should focus on expanding participation in similar initiatives, such as conducting more art tours and increasing awareness about them on campus.
Murals in healthcare facilities play a vital role beyond decoration, significantly impacting patient well-being and creating community-focused, comforting environments. Research highlights that nature-themed and soothing art reduces patient anxiety, lowers stress levels and can decrease reliance on pain medication. Murals depicting serene landscapes and cultural themes foster familiarity and inclusivity, enhancing emotional connection and humanizing otherwise sterile spaces. Studies across diverse settings, from Mexico’s socio-political hospital murals to Malaysia’s COVID-19 tributes, illustrate their role in instilling unity and honoring frontline workers. In pediatric hospitals, nature-based and culturally resonant imagery has been shown to reduce stress markers such as heart rate and blood pressure, promoting faster recovery. Artworks strategically placed in communal and clinical areas not only beautify but also provide positive distractions and aid in navigation. Overall, murals in healthcare facilities enhance patient well-being by reducing stress and creating welcoming, comforting spaces. Research shows that nature-inspired and culturally relevant art humanizes sterile environments and supports emotional healing, especially for children. These benefits extend to staff and visitors, promoting a positive atmosphere.
Introduction. Salutogenic, or health-promoting design, suggests that the designed environment should not only provide comfortable living space but also support the health and well-being of individuals. However, the rapid process of urbanization is accompanied by significant changes in people's lifestyles and negatively affects mental health. Thus, it is necessary to study the impact of urban environment on the citizens mental health, as well as to summarize and analyze technologies of health-promoting design in urban environment. Objective. To justify the problem of high prevalence of chronic stress among citizens and to summarize the best practices of applying the principles of salutogenic design in the urban environment to overcome stress and prevent psychological problems. Materials and methods. We conducted a non-systematic narrative literature review in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary.ru. Search request depth covered 20 years from 2003 to 2023. Results. Urban planning based on the principles of salutogenic design is one of the important tools for ensuring the health of citizens, extending beyond the scope of healthcare system. Moreover, addressing chronic stress, referred to as the «epidemic of the 21st century», can be considered a key direction in implementing salutogenic design in urban planning. The main focus areas of salutogenic design in the urban environment are regulating the density of urban development, creating public spaces, providing landscape design and greenery, offering convenient and safe urban navigation and using arts. Conclusions. Stress levels in cities are influenced by various factors. Effective urban planning that incorporates salutogenic design principles can contribute to improving public health and creating a supportive urban environment.
Emotional reactions to color hue, saturation, and brightness (Munsell color system and color chips) were investigated using the Pleasure–Arousal–Dominance emotion model. Saturation (S) and brightness (B) evidenced strong and consistent effects on emotions. Regression equations for standardized variables were: Pleasure = .69B + .22S, Arousal = − .31B + .60S, Dominance = − .76B + .32S. Brightness effects were nearly the same for chromatic and achromatic colors. Blue, blue–green, green, red–purple, purple, and purple–blue were the most pleasant hues, whereas yellow and green–yellow were the least pleasant. Green–yellow, blue–green, and green were the most arousing, whereas purple–blue and yellow–red were the least arousing. Green–yellow induced greater dominance than red–purple.
The clinic waiting area in Dumfries received the highest score among nine units offering transplant follow-up (p < 0.001 for differences between units) in the recent Quality Improvement Scotland Renal Transplant Survey.
The purpose of the present study was to determine which aspects of the Dumfries waiting area patients considered important to their outpatient experience.
We posted a questionnaire to all 44 renal transplant patients attending the Dumfries Renal Unit in October 2009 in which we asked patients to rate seven aspects of their clinic environment on a scale from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (very important). These were, in random order, comfy chairs, magazines and puzzle books, paintings on the wall, a 42-inch plasma screen TV, views from the windows, potted plants and computers with Internet access.
Thirty-nine (89%) patients responded. The most highly rated feature of our clinic waiting room was the comfy chairs with an average score of 4.4. This was followed by the magazines and puzzle books (3.6), the plasma screen TV (3.6) and the paintings on the walls (3.4). The views from the windows (3.1), the computer (3.0) and the potted plants (2.9) were less highly rated. Respondents expressed a preference for landscapes/nature scenes (84%) and paintings of animals/birds (84%). Fewer wished to look at abstract paintings (27%) or portraits (24%).
The QIS transplant survey has shown large differences in the quality of the environment of the transplant follow-up clinics in Scotland. Our survey of renal transplant patients attending the Dumfries Renal Unit suggests that the paintings we chose to display in our clinic waiting room contributed positively to their outpatient experience.
Effects of the four psychological primary colors were assessed by randomly assigning 40 undergraduates (13 male, 27 female) to 4 treatment groups, with each group receiving either red, yellow, green, or blue illumination. Anxiety state was assessed at 5-min. intervals using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The red and yellow groups had significantly higher A-state scores than the blue and green groups, and these values did not change significantly during the 15-min. testing session.
This review of the literature on health care environments and patient outcomes considers three research themes: patient involvement with health care (e.g., the role of patient control), the impact of the ambient environment (e.g., sound, light, art), and the emergence of specialized building types for defined populations (e.g., Alzheimer's patients). The article also describes the challenges presented in doing high-quality research focused on health care environments and contrasts the contributions made by two different traditions: architecture and behavioral science. The implications of managed care and opportunities for research are considered.
An arts project was initiated at the newly rebuilt district hospital in the city of Exeter in south west England. This paper describes an independent research evaluation project covering the period from its inception in 1992. The findings include both qualitative and economic aspects and were compared with the authors' wider experience of similar projects. For the first time the responses of clinical staff about the effects of art on the healing process, on therapeutic benefit and on morale are independently assessed. The results provide data and new insights into the interactions of patients, staff and visitors with the arts in the hospital environment. The conclusions offer important guidance for other arts projects and for researchers to develop the methodology in further studies, providing feedback for clinical staff, designers, artists, managers, and policy makers.
• For many hospital patients, the experience brings pain and anxiety. Unfamiliar surroundings, various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the sight and sounds of medical procedures exacerbate pain and anxiety.
• To block off the anxiety‐inducing sights and sounds of hospital surroundings and create a pleasing environment, the therapeutic potential of visual stimulation as a nursing intervention was investigated.
• In a randomized, controlled, cross‐over study, pain was produced by a modified tourniquet technique in 46 healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups (Group V and Group B) with subsequent cross‐over. Those in Group V watched a soundless video display of natural scenery during tourniquet inflation, whereas in Group B subjects watched a static blank screen.
• Pain threshold was defined as the time when subjects reported the first detectable pain, whereas pain tolerance was the time the pain was reported to be intolerable and deflation of the tourniquet was requested.
• With the use of visual stimuli, there was a significant increase in pain threshold ( P < 0.05) and pain tolerance ( P < 0.01). Gender and the sequence of visual stimuli did not have any significant effect on pain threshold and pain tolerance.
• Further studies specifically addressing level of anxiety and physiological data correlated with pain scores and visual stimuli are needed.
• The findings have implications for nurses and other healthcare professionals to use various visual stimuli as positive adjuncts to other methods of pain relief and for different pain conditions in clinical areas.
We conducted this review to organize studies on stressors, stress, and health of rural Canadians. An organizing framework of the pathway from psychosocial stressors (i.e., determinants of health) through perceived stress and physiological impacts to health outcomes was used (1) to situate the rural experience of stress within the individual using the existing reports on community and societal stressors and (2) to synthesize existing research on individual stress for rural residents. The emergent themes from the review indicated that stressors can be grouped as individual factors, relationship characteristics, health, work and education, community, finances, and the environment. We conclude by proposing that research measuring stressors of rural Canadians needs to be undertaken in order to understand the connections between health and stress for this population.