Creating a healing environment

In building a new unit it is important to have the correct technology to optimize patient care. However, it is equally important to create a healing environment that will also improve the patients healing abilities. Environmental factors have been acknowledged for having a significant impact on patient outcomes since Florence Nightingale’s time.  She discussed added stress of being in a hospital could have a negative impact on the immune functions of patients body (Fontaine, Briggs & Pope-Smith, 2001; Rubert, Long & Hutchinson). Rest and maintaining patients circadian (day/night) rhythm is vital to proper healing.
Patient rooms will always be filled with technological devices and monitors however they can still have a warm feel.  Pastels provide a cheerful effect.  Blues, greens and violets are known to have calming and relaxing effects. Simple artwork on the walls allow for a more homely feeling, which can be reassuring to the patients as well as their visitors (Fontaine, Briggs & Pope-Smith, 2001).   Other resourceful things in a patient’s room include a clock and calendar which they can see. A white board with daily activities, nurse’s and physician’s names will also be beneficial.  These items can also decrease the risk of confusion and delirium from being in the hospital.

The room should be positioned near a window so the patient can see the outdoors. Natural lighting is the best and limiting the bright neon lights. Even turning the lights down in the nurses’ station and hallways is beneficial for patients.  Studies have shown leaving bright lights on for extended amounts of time can lead to visual fatigue and headaches (Fontaine, Briggs & Pope-Smith, 2001; Rubert, Long & Hutchinson).    Windows that have some tint to them are the best option as it decreases the glare patient’s experience.
Noise is all too common within a hospital especially an ICU. However these disruptive noises can be decreased with simple steps. To start close the patients door if it is safe, turn off unnecessary alarms, and remind staff to keep their voices down when they are talking (Fontaine, Briggs & Pope-Smith, 2001).  Investing in pillow speakers and head phones that can not only reduce noxious noises but can emit calming sounds (Rubert, Long & Hutchinson).  The engineers can also look into installing sound absorbent carpet, acoustic ceiling and floor tiles that will be less noisy in high traffic areas (Rubert, Long & Hutchinson).
As you can see there are many options of items we can request to be installed into the new ICU and things we can do on a daily basis to improve the quality of the environment and enhance the healing of the patients. The more cognizant we are of the noxious stimuli the more we will be able to create the environment our patients need. Also understanding different perspectives from different hospital executives the better the unit will become.

Fontaine, D., Briggs, L., Pope-Smith, B. (2001). Designing humanistic critical care environments, Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 24 (3), 21-34.
Rupert, R., Long, L., and Hutchinson, M. Creating a healing environment in the ICU. Retrieved from: http://www.jblearning.com/samples/0763738638/38638_CH03_027_040.pdf