The Art of Healing
The healing power of art has been recognised for centuries, long before the emergence of the science discipline as it is known today. The healing temples of the Ancient Greeks exposed patients to art, music, poetry and nature to boost the healing process. Nowadays, science has become the frontrunner when it comes to curing and treating patients but the importance of art in healthcare remains.
Art at the bedside
Whilst hospitals have become increasingly cutting edge, with new technologies and treatments, they remain a sterile environment that can be, at times, quite intimidating and stressful to patients. A simple remedy is to harness the power of art at the bedside.
Art has repeatedly proven to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and pain in both patients and healthcare staff (Ulrich). In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) compiled approximately 3,000 scientific papers that found that art prevented illness and boosted well-being. Research groups continue to churn out studies highlighting the positive impact of art yet much remains unknown about the precise mechanism behind it.
The power of biophilic design
Roger Ulrich, PhD, is arguably one of the most influential healthcare design researchers and has extensively studied the effect of visual art on medical outcomes. His findings have been applied by architects, healthcare managers and clinicians across the United States and Europe. He states that when the appropriate artwork is selected, it can induce positive emotions, highlighting the importance of art selection for healthcare facilities. Ulrich also sheds a light on biophilic design, an approach in architecture that increases connectivity to nature. Nature art has been shown to incite beneficial physiological and emotional changes. Viewing nature successfully reduces blood pressure, heart rate and one study found that it also prevents hypertension. Here at KwickScreen we have harnessed the power of biophilic design in our artwork offering that contains prints and colours known to instil calmness such as slow-moving water, flowers and foliage, landscapes and animals. These also help patients and staff escape from the fast-paced environment of hospitals.
Under the spotlight - The field of Neuroaesthetics
Interestingly, the International Arts and Mind Department (IAM) at Johns Hopkins researches the field of neuroaesthetics; the study of how art, architecture and music impacts the human brain and behaviour. Our surroundings trigger the crosstalk between our brain cells, subsequently impacting our emotions and behaviour. Applying neuroaesthetics to the design of new spaces has the potential to boost physical and mental well-being in diverse settings such as schools, offices and of course hospitals. Johns Hopkins Hospital, a proud user of KwickScreens, has started a restoration centre called RISE (Rejuvenation, Introspection, Self-Care, Empowerment). They employ neuroaesthetics to support the mental health and well-being of staff and clinicians who suffer from high stress levels and burnout.
Incorporating art in the design of new healthcare spaces will require close collaboration between architects and healthcare managers. Its successful application will be key moving forward to boost the well-being of patients and staff alike.