Evidence-based art in the hospital.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Environmental Psychology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Evidence-based art involves studying art's effects and using art for therapeutic outcomes.
• This review examined patient art preferences and art's impact in non-psychiatric hospital and outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on patient preferences for art styles.
• To assess the effects of art in healthcare environments on patient well-being and measurable outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A scoping PubMed search and internet browsing were conducted.
• Keywords included "evidence based art," "art and hospital," "landscape preference," and "abstract art figurative art."
• Art quality was not a selection criterion.

Main Results:

• Seven studies indicated patient preference for natural scenes and figurative art.
• Sixteen studies reported positive effects of art on patient well-being and behavior.
• Five studies demonstrated that nature pictures positively influenced measurable health findings.

Conclusions:

• Controversial findings suggest a need for specific art applications.
• Natural scenes are recommended for patient rooms.
• Diverse art selections are advised for public healthcare areas.