What Is a Restorative Hospital Environment?

Environmental Meaning, Affective Stress Restoration and Physical Attributes in Pediatric Inpatient Rooms

Abstract

We investigated the relation between environmental meaning and affective stress restoration, as well as environmental meaning and physical characteristics of pediatric inpatient rooms. Sixty-nine patients participated in the study, which was conducted in Italian hospitals through self-administrated questionnaires and environmental observations. Patients experienced greater stress restoration the more they considered their room to be reassuring, orderly, cheerful, relaxing, comfortable, spacious, lively, and having fresh air. We also found relationships between hospital physical characteristics and environmental messages, highlighting issues that may support children’s welfare.