Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3249749 The Journal of Emergency Medicine 2012 10 Pages PDF
Abstract

BackgroundWait times have been reported to be one of the most important concerns for people visiting emergency departments (EDs). Affective states significantly impact perception of wait time. There is substantial evidence that art depicting nature reduces stress levels and anxiety, thus potentially impacting the waiting experience.Study ObjectivesTo analyze the effect of visual art depicting nature (still and video) on patients’ and visitors’ behavior in the ED.MethodsA pre–post research design was implemented using systematic behavioral observation of patients and visitors in the ED waiting rooms of two hospitals over a period of 4 months. Thirty hours of data were collected before and after new still and video art was installed at each site.ResultsSignificant reduction in restlessness, noise level, and people staring at other people in the room was found at both sites. A significant decrease in the number of queries made at the front desk and a significant increase in social interaction were found at one of the sites.ConclusionsVisual art has positive effects on the ED waiting experience.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Emergency Medicine
Authors
, , , , , ,