The Healing Power of Art: How art can help heal

As a doctor myself I have seen firsthand how having beautiful images on your wall can help patients heal.  Scientific evidence is clear and convincing. Viewing nature scenes plays a key role in creating a healing environment which can improve patient outcome.

BENEFITS TO PATIENTS

Stress Reduction - At a minimum, patients, visitors and staff (PVS) will experience less stress and anxiety than in a traditional visually sterile environment.

Decreased Need For Pain Medication - Patients viewing nature scenes show decreased need for pain and/or anti anxiety medication.

Lower Blood Pressure - Blood pressure has been shown to be statistically lower in patients viewing nature images than those viewing other art or blank walls.

Higher Patient Satisfaction And Positive Perception - Patient perception of healthcare visits improves when healing art is a part of their experience.

Research supports the above and suggests that art may ultimately decrease hospital stays, thereby reducing costs.

BENEFITS TO STAFF

Healing art in staff areas will be a positive factor in recruiting prospective employees, enhancing job satisfaction, and increasing retention of good people. A buoyant employee will have better patient contact as well.

BUSINESS ADVANTAGES

Patients and visitors will have positive attitudes about the facility, and comparatively high levels of satisfaction. There are usually choices in healthcare – how much is word-of-mouth endorsement worth to you?

NATURE IS RESTORATIVE

Patients, visitors and staff who view nature scenes are more positive in their feelings. Patients will feel less stressed when looking at nature than if the walls are blank. While short-term exposure to images of nature will foster impressive stress recovery, potential wellness benefits may be greatest for patients who must spend long periods of time in a confined setting. Prolonged visual contact with healing images will have profound positive effects on the psychological, physiological and behavioral components of stress.

According to the Healthcare Forum Journal, “Acutely stressed patients who are exposed to “serene” photographs (primarily water or other tranquil nature scenes) have lower blood pressure than patients exposed to no art or bland posters. Sensory deprivation stemming from lack of windows in intensive-care units is associated with high levels of anxiety and depression.”

In summary, beautiful artwork can help, heal and provide an escape from an otherwise unfortunate and depressing situation providing a bit of escape when one is desperately needed. I strongly believe in this benefit and my ability to be a part of the process. I often provide corporate discounts to hospitals, medical facilities and dental facilities purchasing 5 or more pieces for their buildings. 

For more information on the medical discounts that I offer please feel free to contact me via telephone or email 7 days a week.

Posted in art, healing, photography.