This article talks about how doctors offices can be a stressful place and how some children’s hospitals are creating fun and engaging environments to lower stress.
Article Excerpt
From the moment a family steps through the doors of a children’s hospital, they are surrounded by fear, uncertainty, and stress. But what if there was something that could help alleviate some of those feelings – something that could make the hospital environment more inviting and, ultimately, create better health outcomes for patients? Decorating a children’s hospital with fun elements can help to distract sick children from their ailments and create an atmosphere of hope and optimism.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how the physical environment of hospitals can impact the healing process, particularly for children. Numerous studies have shown that fun, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing environments can significantly enhance mood, reduce stress, and improve treatment outcomes for young patients. We’ve gathered some of these studies together to compare the benefits researchers have found.
A study focusing on children’s perspectives on hospital design emphasized the importance of incorporating fun activities and colorful decor to enhance the healing environment. The research revealed that children preferred hospitals with playful and engaging spaces, which contributed positively to their overall healing process.
The Therapy by Design evaluation of the UK hospital building program found that changes in hospital design, including the introduction of vibrant colors and interactive features, had a significant positive effect on patients’ moods and morale. This study underscored the value of creating more benign and healing environments through thoughtful design.
Relevance
Waiting rooms and hospitals are a scary place for everyone, especially children. I remember as a kid hating going to the doctors. Every time I went it was boring, nothing fun to do, and was always scared of what was going to happen. This article talks about some hospitals and doctors offices that have taken efforts to create fun and interactive areas for children to interact. It mentions that studies have shown that environments like this help to lower stress and enhance mood, both of which make the experience significantly better for the kids, parents, and doctors.
Innovating in the medical world is difficult, but remembering to keep things fun and engaging is something I want to make sure to keep included. Making sure that the experience of or around your treatment is fun, could help keep motivation high, increase trust with healthcare provider, and improve overall treatment results.
Sources
IDSkids. (2024, June 28). The healing power of fun decor in children’s Hospital Environments. IDS Kids. https://idskids.com/the-healing-power-of-fun-decor-in-childrens-hospital-environments/
