Cusack, P., Langston, L., Isles, C., (2010) Impact of visual art in patient waiting rooms: survey of patients attending a transplant clinic in Dumfries. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
This paper looked at different environmental elements in a waiting room of a renal clinic in Dumfries, Scotland. The most important element was comfortable chairs, with the next most important elements equally televisions and art. Patients preferred images of nature (84%) over abstract paintings.
We suggest the results of this study indicate that patients may find video of nature with nature sounds even more likely to make them feel relaxed. The researchers conclude with “visual art in healthcare settings may have greater effects on wellbeing and health than has previously been appreciated”.