Method and apparatus for biophilically promoting patient relaxation, for reducing physical and/or psychological patient stress and for expediting patient recovery

摘要

A method and apparatus that promotes patient relaxation, reduces patient stress, and/or expedites patient recovery, in a health care facility or home-based convalescent environment. The method includes providing a substantially glare-free visual display device with one or more open, natural, serene and, preferably, savanna-like landscape pictures. Such pictures, including large size high resolution photo- realistic images, are displayed by means of a substantially glare-free display device, such as a flexible panel of fabric material positioned near a hospital bed or a like item of furniture, in close proximity to the patient so as to give the patient the perception of being in a natural and biophilic setting. In certain embodiments of the invention, the biophilic picture is removably attached to a movable wall, partition or hospital curtain structure which forms at least part of an enclosure substantially around at least part of the hospital bed. Such embodiments are designed to meet all relevant health care codes and standards in regard to fire retardancy and hygiene. The patient's experience of viewing the biophilic visual image may be enhanced by augmenting the visual installation with the playing of audio recordings of substantially natural sounds and/or providing a means to broadcast appropriate natural aromatic scents into the patient's immediate environment.