By Healthcare Facilities Today

Available research on hospital healing gardens and outdoor spaces has indicated that despite several health benefits of access to nature for staff, patients and family members, these amenities are not being used to their fullest, according to an article on the Healthcare Design magazine website.

Previous researchers have recommended design features such as comfortable seats and adequate shade to increase garden visitation in healthcare setting. However, no quantitative data have demonstrated significance of correlation between presence of these design features and garden use, the article said.

A recent study served to statistically support design guidelines suggested by previous researchers and introduce new guidelines.

While quality of seats didn't impact visitor and family member garden visitation, a significant negative correlation was found between poor shade and their garden use. Many families also reported that they didn't use the gardens simply because they didn't know about them, the article said.

Read the article.