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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Decorative elements in the medical imaging area improve patients’ perception of pleasantness

subject

description

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the sensation of pleasantness perceived by patients attended in the radiology department in response to decorative elements hung on the walls in the waiting rooms and in the hallways of the imaging area. Material and methods The material resources comprised works of art in the form of “magic windows” representing scenes from nature installed on the ceilings and walls of the waiting area and hallways of the imaging area. Patients were given a brief questionnaire with general data and questions (sadness–cheerfulness, coldness–warmth, darkness–light, and pessimism–optimism) about their perception of the decorative elements. Results Of the 150 questionnaires collected, 142 were filled out correctly. The overall health of these patients was good in 84 (56%), not bad in 58 (39%), and poor in 8 (5%). The idea seemed very good to 70 patients (47%), good to 58 (39%), not bad to 8 (5%), indifferent to 11 (7%), bad to 1 (1%), and very bad to 2 (1%). As for a patients’ mobility, 119 patients (79%) walked into the department, 18 (12%) were wheeled in on beds, and 13 (9%) needed wheelchairs. Conclusions We found a high level of satisfaction with the decorative elements.