Living Walls in Healthcare Settings

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities can be places of great healing, but they also can be very intimidating and cause stress. Besides not feeling well, the sterile and cold environment in many hospitals can cause people to feel uncomfortable. Harsh lights, hard tiles, monotonous color palettes, and questionable air quality can all contribute to a setting that inspires anxiety and fear.

For this reason, many hospitals and healthcare facilities are beginning to implement some welcome design changes to the interior of these facilities, recognizing that living plant arrangements can greatly influence clinical outcomes. Staff morale, as well as patient satisfaction and visitors’ impressions, are significantly improved when plants are added to the interior design aesthetic of a hospital. Living walls are particularly impressive, as they present a large, artistic and beautiful addition to any healthcare facility.

Studies Support the Benefits of Plants and Living Walls

A Texas A & M University College of Architecture and Medicine research study examined gardens and plant beds located in healthcare facilities in order to learn more about their impact on sick patients.  The findings revealed that patients who were presented with a view of natural elements, plants, and flowers experienced faster recovery times and fewer complications after surgery. Another study on stress and recovery of surgical patients revealed that patients who had plants in their hospital rooms reported lower systolic blood pressure and less pain, fatigue and anxiety.  Researchers also noted that having plants in their environment increased feelings of well-being and better care.

Indoor landscapes such as living walls can be integrated into waiting rooms, common areas, patient hallways, and treatment areas of healthcare facilities. Green walls, indoor gardens, and even potted plants and trees can contribute to better mental and physical health not only for their patients – but for overworked staff, worried family members, and anxious visitors. The more visible and prevalent these displays are to the patient, the more benefit they can provide.

Did You Know? Beautiful living walls or indoor landscapes can help to lower the incidence of burnout, boosting staff morale through a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing work environment.

Living Walls Promote Cleaner Air

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average American spends approximately 90% of their time indoors. Unfortunately, in a home or work setting, this could mean that they are often breathing in mold, carbon monoxide, chemicals, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, dust mites, and pesticides. Green plants represent a powerful, sustainable solution for improving indoor air quality – and hold the promise of a significantly healthier environment for patients in healthcare facilities.

Plants filter harmful chemicals and other toxins out of the air through natural processes. Plants in healthcare settings can counteract SBS (sick building syndrome) and elevate the humidity levels which limit the dry air that can cause coughing and sinus discomfort.

In contrast to those without plants, rooms that featured natural greenery were proven to have 50%-60% fewer molds and bacteria present in the air.  Research performed at Washington State University indicated that dust and particulate levels were reduced by as much as 20% when plants were added to the interior design. Attractive foliage plants are a beneficial addition to healthcare settings as they create a warmer and more nurturing environment.

Given the health challenges in recent years, any steps that a hospital can take to improve air quality, encourage positive patient outcomes, and help with the overall well-being of patients, staff, and visitors are welcome. The installation of green living walls in these facilities is one way to create a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming place where people can heal.

To learn more about living walls, green plant installations, and plant leasing for your commercial business, call Tropex today.