Do natural views have therapeutic influences on hospitalized patients? This is the view from one of my patient’s room, who told me that seeing the outside landscape gave her peace and hope to recover.

Studies suggest that most people —not just patients— have favorable affective responses to nature and prefer natural more than urban scenes. Views of vegetation and especially water may elicit positive feelings, reduce fear, hold attention, and block stressful thoughts.

Translating this to the patient experience may be important, be it a natural view from the window, ambient lighting themes, or ceiling decor. Reducing patient stress may help both with their experience and their outcomes. It may also help the staff experience and thus the retention of staff, as well as help to differentiate the hospital.

“Look into nature, and then you will understand it better.” – Albert Einstein