Evidence-based Design in Healthcare Art

Peaceful twilight over this Caesar Creek State Park shoreline where gentle waves lap at a stack of rocks

If you are seeking art for your walls that give

your space a sense of peace, I'm ready to help!

A large canvas print of Huffman Prairie during a colorful sunset in the waiting room of the Kettering Health Network Cancer Center

A primer on Evidence-based Design in Healthcare Art  

  • Evidence-based design (EBD) principles guide art programs in today’s top healthcare facilities
  • Researchers divided a hospital with traditional art on one side of the hallway & nature photography in the other rooms
  • EBD researchers proved when patients are immersed in nature, they had lower blood pressure, less stress, required less pain meds, healed & were discharged faster…EBD produces favorable patient outcomes
  • The same principles benefit corporate boardrooms, hospitality facilities, and government offices/hallways

Art Buyer Tips

  • SELECT representational landscapes (where viewer understands the scene); allows the mind to relax
  • SELECT landscapes with long sightlines and open skies which fosters a sense of openness/safety; theory lies in threats of ambush in prehistoric man’s life
  • SELECT scenes filled with plants and lush gardens; builds on biophilia theory; abundant life is good
  • SELECT local scenes; allows you to tout pride in the local area & where your waiting room art becomes a conversation piece about shared experiences
  • AVOID abstract art; induces confusion and doubt which is bad for patients facing big life decisions & loss of control in their lives
  • AVOID black & white prints which are cold & confusing, why foster this mood in clients?
  • AVOID wildlife subjects which often remind viewers/clients they are part of the food chain
  • AVOID certain colors like red in the ER Dept
  • AVOID misusing scene w/ room’s purpose; water is good unless it’s in the bladder ultrasound room
Nearly mature wheat awaits harvest as the sun’s last rays paints the field in warm golden light.
Cedar Cliff Falls near Cedarville waterfall on a perfect spring day where Ohio’s lush green vegetation surrounds Massie Creek as it spills into the gorge

Excellent Sources in Evidence-based Design in Healthcare Art