Restorative environments and humanized practice in oncology services

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Oncology Care
• Healthcare Environments

Background:

• Healthcare professionals in oncology face high-intensity routines and emotional strain.
• The design of the care environment significantly impacts worker well-being and mental health.
• Environmental psychology offers insights into creating restorative spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine how environmental psychology informs the design of restorative environments.
• To explore the role of the care environment in fostering humanized care and well-being among oncology professionals.
• To analyze the relationship between environmental factors and the mental health of healthcare workers.

Main Methods:

• Reflective, qualitative, exploratory study.
• Critical analysis of scientific literature (articles, books, theses).
• Guided by Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory.

Main Results:

• The care environment (ambiência) is central to promoting well-being and mental health in oncology professionals.
• Appropriate environments mitigate stress, support mental health, and reduce fatigue.
• Environmental psychology provides a framework for improving hospital care settings.

Conclusions:

• Restorative environments designed using environmental psychology principles can enhance oncology care.
• Improving the work environment is crucial for preventing emotional strain and improving work quality for healthcare professionals.
• Further research is needed to advance effective and compassionate oncology care through environmental interventions.