Part 5 of a roundtable discussion featuring Tommy Nichols - Business Development Director - Healthcare at Acuity Brands. Originally featured in Healthcare Facilities Today - interview by Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor.
Warden: While not usually talked about, aesthetics and atmosphere in a healthcare facility help set the tone for a patient’s visit. Lighting happens to play a major role in both, as the colors and temperature of lighting can heavily impact the appearance and feel of the facility.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Healthcare Facilities Today speaks with lighting manufacturers about how lighting can be used for aesthetical and atmospheric purposes in healthcare facilities.
How can lighting be used for aesthetical and atmospheric purposes in healthcare facilities?
Nichols: Lighting plays a crucial role in creating aesthetically pleasing and atmospherically conducive environments within healthcare facilities. Historically, significant emphasis has been placed on the first impression areas—such as large atriums and entrances—to ensure they are welcoming and visually appealing. These spaces often incorporate hospitality-like fixtures and beautiful lighting designs, effectively setting a positive tone for patients and visitors as they enter the facility.
However, this attention to aesthetics has not always been consistently extended to patient care areas, including patient rooms, nursing stations, and staff relaxation spaces. While the public-facing areas exude a sense of comfort and elegance, the same level of hospitality and thoughtful lighting design often remains absent in the spaces where patients spend most of their time. This disparity can impact the overall patient experience.
It's essential for lighting practitioners and designers in the healthcare industry to advocate for and allocate appropriate budgets dedicated to creating lighting solutions that are not only functional and cleanable but also visually soothing and non-institutional.
By integrating aesthetically pleasing lighting into patient care spaces, healthcare facilities can foster a more comfortable and healing environment. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the spaces but also supports the well-being of patients, staff and visitors, ultimately contributing to a more holistic and effective healthcare experience.
