The psychological and physiological effects of an intensive-care unit environment on healthy individuals

The ideal inpatient environment would be one in which patient stress and anxiety are alleviated, but current inpatient hospital settings often do not seem to take this fact into consideration. To date, the effects of the actual hospital environment itself on patients is poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the types of psychological and physiological changes that people undergo in response to being placed in an inpatient setting.

Ten healthy volunteers were admitted to an intensive-care unit (ICU) for 4 days and 3 nights. The psychological and physiological changes before and after admission were examined. A qualitative assessment was also performed.

Most healthy individuals at times develop feelings of depression, which can be measured by the Profile of Mood States and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (P < .05). In this study, participants' fatigue and confusion increased (P < .05) and vigor decreased (P < .01) as measured by the Profile of Mood States. There was also an increase in the General Health Questionnaire scores (P < .01). However, no significant physiological effects were apparent, as measured by peripheral lymphocyte counts, natural killer cells activity, and urinary 17-kerosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels. Subjects often engaged in introspection during hospitalization and often had a negative attitude towards the hospital environment.

The findings of increased feelings of depression attributable solely to being in an ICU setting are inconsistent with the type of environment generally considered necessary to alleviate patient anxiety and tension in a critical-care-ward environment. The negative perception of this environment strongly suggests room for improvement. Efforts in this regard should focus on improving the five senses, particularly sight, sound, and taste within the ICU.