THE FIVE SENSES AND HEALING

Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste: designs and best practices that integrate all five senses should be the goal for all healthcare design professionals. Color palettes that use the complete spectrum can refresh patient spirits. Using images of nature and natural daylight can rejuvenate both patients and staff. Throughout this article many aspects of how to design with sight in mind using light, art and color have been explored.

However, there are many physical design elements that affect the sense of touch. These include:

• Window blinds that provide color, offer light control, privacy and sound absorption.
• Cubicle curtains that can bring color and pattern into the environment.
• Countertops which should be the highest quality of solid surface materials, avoiding crevices and delaminating that could trap bacteria.

• Upholstery and furniture selections that can provide a surface to use as accents of color as well as provide different opportunities for the sense of touch.
• Ergonomic designs will provide enhanced safety for patients and visitors.
• Flooring alternatives that can include linoleum, rubber and wood.
• Combined, these “touchable” surfaces work to improve these important environments.

From the ancient Greeks to recent researchers, the healing power of music has been well documented. Today architects can use building elements such as ceiling tiles, insulation and carpets as well as the technology of personal communication systems and water features to manage sound. Healthcare quality surveys report patient sleep disruption from noise as a very common and serious complaint. The ability of the brain to become habituated to sound has spawned a whole web industry of downloadable nature sounds called 'pink noise'. Some design tools to reduce noise include:

• Superior ceiling tiles
• Elimination of overhead paging systems
• Installation of quiet nurse communication system
• Additional insulation
• Introduction of a water feature
• Provide sound equipment to Incorporate music as therapy
• Specify sound – absorbing flooring in patient rooms
• Machinery and delivery carts w/rubber wheels
• Installation of carpet in corridors and public areas

A new trend in psychoacoustic therapy involves music accompanied with sounds of nature. The sound of birds, water, rain and waves are integrated with soft classical music to lower anxiety and make people more comfortable in the healthcare setting.

The sense of smell can also trigger a sense of comfort. Florence Nightingale moistened foreheads of wounded soldiers with lavender oil that was often used as a sedative. In hospital environments the designer should provide a clean environment and can also specify green cleaning supplies to reduce harmful odors and contaminants. The control of smell in the hospital environment can range from the use of advanced ventilation techniques to opportunities for aromatherapy.

Although the design professional does not have much control over the taste of hospital food, the design of cafeterias, lunch rooms and kitchens have all changed in the past decades. As mentioned above, healthcare professionals are taking design inspiration from the hospitality industry and providing unique opportunities for dining in healthcare facilities. Many hospitals are now providing food that is locally sourced. Nutritious, healthy meals are now becoming standard dining options for the patient, staff and family. Coffee bars, bakeries and even small farmers markets are just some of the new spaces in hospitals.

The 21st century design professional will need a complete set of design tools to enhance healing and well-being in healthcare settings. These include great acoustics, integrative lighting schemes, good ventilation and mechanical systems as well as complex color palettes. Patient surveys and feedback loops are beginning to help hold hospitals accountable regarding many elements of satisfaction with their care. Concern for safety, comfort and well-being will yield healing environments that help to “do good and to do no harm.” Architects who engage all five senses into the design process can enhance the healing process.