As a physician, you know that appointments can be anxiety-provoking for patients, particularly for those dealing with gynecologic concerns. If you're looking for creative ways to help reduce stress for these patients, look no further than the space around you. A growing body of evidence suggests that our surroundings can have a remarkable impact on our mood, and this is especially true for patient exam rooms and waiting rooms.
Helping Patients Relax
The idea that the clinical environment can affect patients' stress levels is based on Roger Ulrich's theory of supportive design. The Swedish architect, who is considered the world's foremost authority on healthcare design research, posited that practitioners can help reduce stress by fostering a sense of control, providing access to social support and creating positive distractions for patients while they wait to undergo tests such as ultrasound exams.
For example, although you and your staff may prefer brightly painted hallways, since that's where you spend much of your time, your patients may find those colors too arresting and prefer calmer hues. Likewise, your receptionist might wish to set your waiting room television to programs he or she enjoys, but patients may feel less stressed if they can change the channel or even shut the TV off. Subsequent research has affirmed Ulrich's theory.
Simple Changes, Big Results
More recently, researchers took the theory a step further by looking at specific design elements and their ability to reduce stress in both American and Portuguese patients. This study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, included five hospital units from two countries for a total of 57 hospital rooms and 187 patients. Design elements studied included televisions, paintings, windows, whiteboards, an extra table, chairs for visitors and access to Wi-Fi.
The researchers found that the greater the number of favorable design features, the lower the patients' stress. The perception of control appeared to be less important to the Portuguese patients than access to social support and positive distractions. This was not the case with American patients, however, suggesting that culture may play a role in patients' needs.
Taking Steps to Reduce Stress in Your Clinical Environment
Helping your patients reduce stress doesn't require a complete office renovation. Simple, cost-effective changes can make a big difference in the way patients perceive your clinical environment. A report from Cornell University offered the following tips:
- Use warm, welcoming elements, such as wood or faux wood furniture and flooring.
- Choose paint colors that are pleasant and calming, such as greens, blues, golds and warm neutrals. Avoid bright or alarming shades of red, orange and yellow.
- Although bright lighting may be necessary in exam rooms, try table lamps and dimmer lighting options in waiting rooms.
- Opt for soft, comfortable furniture in waiting rooms and offer extra seating in exam rooms so your patient isn't relegated to the exam table alone.
- Play soft music.
- Incorporate natural elements, such as plants, river stones, flowers and fish tanks into waiting areas.
While it may be impossible to completely eliminate anxiety from the patient experience, you can reduce stress by helping your patients feel safe, soothed and at home in your office. A welcoming patient space — combined with your professional expertise — can be key in attracting and retaining a robust patient population.
