On initial arrival at a hospital, patients may be in some distress due to pain, discomfort, or anxiety. As such, ensuring that waiting areas provide a calming environment is important. The importance of lighting design in waiting areas is often overlooked, but careful choices can play an important role in the patient experience.
On arrival at the hospital, whether in the Accident and Emergency Department or for out-patient treatment, patients may face a lengthy wait before treatment, and patient condition can change rapidly, so it is important that the lighting system allows for sufficient illumination for monitoring at-risk patients while also maintaining an environment that avoids creating additional stress that might worsen the patient’s condition.
There are multiple types of waiting area in hospitals, and all require specific consideration when lighting systems are planned.
Emergency room waiting areas are often busy, and patients may arrive in a variety of different states, from acute pain through to minor ailments. Areas where out-patients wait for scheduled appointments are quieter, but stress levels can still be high.
Stress comes in many forms, and depending on the individual, it can trigger increased anxiety, discomfort, and feelings of frustration – all of which are unwelcome in a hospital waiting room.
Natural daylight promotes health and as such waiting area lighting systems should be designed to complement natural light and use it as much as possible to benefit patients.
High intensity lighting can trigger a fight or flight response in people with already high stress levels, and high levels of glare from such lighting reflecting off surfaces can also increase discomfort. As such, slightly dimmer neutral lighting may be preferred to create a more calming environment.
For patients lying down – such as on a trolley, direct overhead lighting can be disorienting and uncomfortable, and as such the position of ceiling luminaires should be planned carefully to avoid creating situations where a patient spends significant amounts of time directly under a lighting fixture.
During busy times, patients may face long waits which can mean that the patient’s condition changes between their initial triage and being taken for treatment. This can lead to increased anxiety for both the patient and anyone attending with them. Ensuring that even in a neutrally lit environment, lighting levels are sufficiently high for regular monitoring is essential so that any changes can be noted and patient prioritisation changed as required.
Lighting for hospital waiting areas should be carefully planned to improve patient wellbeing. Our healthcare lighting specialists can help you design a solution that combines hygienic, reliable, and energy efficient lighting with advanced smart controls that improve the space for patients and contribute to reduced stress levels. Contact us to learn more.
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