Evidenced Based Design Combined With Patient Based Art Defines Healthcare Appropriate Art
At Distinctive Art Source, we help clients create art programs that are evidence and patient based. We work specifically and exclusively in healthcare, enabling us to stay abreast of industry trends and current research. Evidence based design principles supported by the selection of appropriate patient based artwork can enhance healing environments and offer the possibility of improved patient outcomes.
“Scientific research has produced limited but convincing evidence that certain types of art can have positive effects on health outcomes. However, inappropriate art (including some critically good art) can negatively affect patients – especially those who feel stressed due to illness or injury.” – Roger Ulrich
Evidence Based Design as it relates to art selection is the use of published research in selecting and placing artwork in healthcare settings. The overriding result of Evidence Based research tells us:
- Proximity to nature can help patients lower stress resulting in a reduced need for pain medication and improved patient outcomes.
- Viewing familiar surroundings can help reduce stress and build a sense of security and comfort for patients within a healthcare facility.
- Expanding the hospital’s boundaries into the community through mutually beneficial relationships can offer patients a sense of connection to the community during a hospital stay and reduce feelings of isolation.
Every Patient Population is Distinctive!
Patient Based Art Programs include artwork that is selected based on the unique needs of each patient groups (such as Cancer, Pediatric, Geriatric, Women, Heart, ICU, Rehab and Psychiatric). Patient Based Art helps to deinstitutionalize the clinical setting while illustrating a sensitivity to location and patient demographics. Patient based artwork can also aid in wayfinding by helping to visually identify areas.
A successful healthcare art program consists of a coordinated series of visual elements placed in public and private spaces throughout the facility. The selection of these elements, as well as their size and placement, is crucial to the success of the program. For more information about the Critical Success Factors in selecting healthcare appropriate art, click here to download a free whitepaper. Hospital Art Committees interested in creating a healthcare appropriate art program are invited to email us at info@distinctiveartsource.com to request a free Healthcare Art 101 presentation and learn about appropriate artwork for specific patient populations.
For more information on Evidence Based Design and Patient Based Art, download these free research reports: