Photographic Art for the Promotion of Health and Well-being in Medical Facilities

by Ted R Myers

There is much information about the healing and well-being affects when people connect with nature. The sounds of the forest, rustling of leaves, fresh clean air, the scent of flowers, trees, scenic views, many natural outdoor elements, all are comforting to those who pause to absorb them.

A landmark study was published in 1984 by R.S. Ulrich, regarding a study of records from 46 hospital patients through 1972 to 1981. All were recovering from cholecystectomy surgery. Twenty three were in rooms where there was a window overlooking a natural setting and twenty three had rooms with windows offering the view of a brick wall. The patients with the natural view had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative evaluation comments in nurse’s notes and took fewer potent analgesics than the patients with the view of the brick wall.1

This justified what people had observed for centuries that we all can benefit from contact with natural atmosphere, settings, and objects. Henry David Thoreau wrote “There is in my nature, methinks, a singular yearning toward all wildness.”2

Thomas Berry, an American monk, in his comprehensive study on the sociological and anthropological effects of the universe, The Dream of the Earth, wrote “Teaching Children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important event of their lives.”3

The value of horticultural therapy was recognized in the 1940’s and 1950’s as viable rehabilitative practice for hospitalized war veterans. Today horticultural therapy is applied as a legitimate therapy across a wide range of practices and venues for mental and physical improvement of patients suffering from a myriad of disorders. The American Horticultural Therapy Association, https://www.ahta.org, “. . . defines and encourages the pursuit of outstanding standards of practices, disseminates critical knowledge across diverse constituent audiences, and recognizes and promotes excellence in clinical, professional, educational, and research achievement.”

Additional studies have been conducted that show the importance of trees, green-space, and gardens to the well-being of urban dwellers. More recently, in 2013, an interesting correlation between the universal demise of ash trees due to the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic invasive insect, and the mortality of persons in those neighborhoods where ash trees predominated.4  Furthermore, in 2015 there was the large urban study in Toronto Canada that found having more trees on a city block improved health perceptions comparable to annual increase in income of ten thousand dollars.5

The latest information comes from a new book written by Dr. Qing Li, a researcher in Japan. The book Forest Bathing6 is the culmination of some fifteen years and millions of dollars of research. A CBS news segment on the book suggests “spending time in nature can reduce inflammation, depression, and anger while improving the cardiovascular health, cognitive function, creativity, and concentration.”7 They add, “There is also evidence that pictures of nature have a similar effect . . .”

The National Endowment for the Arts: Arts in Healthcare Research states, “Nature Photography is recommended for use in a hospital. Color photography, when coupled with nature, can be a healing medium in conscience and subliminal levels. Reproduction of scenes in nature can emit a healing energy.” They follow with seven research references to support this conclusion.8

In an article printed in Health Care Design Magazine, a study was referenced concerning patient preferences for art. This was determined by patient choices of art pieces from Houston’s St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital’s Art-Cart program.  “A quantitative analysis of the survey results (t-tests) yielded statistically significant results for the popularity of nature images over best-selling abstract/unique images.” “In simple fact, nature scenes were preferred to the work of masters like Van Gogh and Chagall.”9

Dr. Henry Domke, M.D., retired in 2007, is one of the leading specialists in health care art, specifically Photo Art. He has devoted his post retirement efforts to the study of art used in medical facilities and the healing effect upon patients. Dr. Domke has published a book, Picture of Health, free for downloading from, www.henrydomke.com. It is one of the more complete studies regarding the use of art to promote a healing atmosphere for staff, visitors, and patients in medical facilities. The book is infused with information and references plus comments from his blog.

The case for evidence-based-art is discussed and referenced at length in several places of Doctor Domke’s book. Evidence based art is defined as art that has proven or demonstrated a positive healing outcome. This, as opposed to art- in-general placed for its compatibility toward overall design elements of a particular project, not necessarily the healing consequence. Doctor Domke’s book substantiates the positive healing effects of actual photographs to the healing process.

Even more recently, an article in Sierra, written by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, and other books, expounds upon the benefits of human connections with nature, especially children. Throughout, Richard Louv refers to Dr. Razani, pediatrician and clinical scientist, also founder of the Center for Nature and Health. This is the nation’s first nature-based clinic associated with a major health provider. Mr. Louv leaves little doubt that exposure to nature is therapeutic and has healing effects. Mr. Louv also emphasizes that more people especially children are increasingly deprived of healthy contact and play in natural surroundings. The point is made that being able to access nature is a human right, an inalienable right. Richard Louv quotes Jonas Schubert who is the human rights officer for UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: “A connection with nature is in my view an underlying determinant of the right to development and health. Without it, children would have difficulties to develop properly.”

While there are many other types of design elements (music, lighting, nature-paintings, colorful design, etc.) that promote healing and well-being in patients, research continually show that photographs of actual natural objects are preferred. ICUs, waiting rooms, hospital rooms, hallways, surgical areas do not offer many opportunities for patients, guests, or staff to personally and physically touch natural elements. Photographs strategically placed in such areas can bridge the gap between sensory stimulation and psychological stimulation. Observing a photograph of a natural element or scene will kindle the memory one has of wonderful experiences in nature.

 1. Ulrich, R.S. View Through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science 224, 420-421, 10.1126/science.6143402 (1984)

 2. Krutch, Joseph Wood. Thoreau: Walden and Other Writings. Pg.53. A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. Bantam Books 1962.

 3. Berry, Thomas. The Dream of the Earth. pg131. Sierra Club Books. 1990

 4. Donovan, G.H. et al. The Relationship Between Trees and Human Health: Evidence from the spread of the emerald ash borer. American Journal of Preventative Medicine 44, 139-145 (2013)

 5. Kardan, O. et al. Neighborhood Greenspace and Health in a Large Urban Center. Sci. Rep. 5, 11610: doi: 10.1038/srep11610 (2015)

 6. Qing Li, Dr. Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness. Viking Publishing, Penguin Publishing Group (2018)

 7. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pay-attention-forest-bathing-therapy-effect-on-our-bodies-and-brains/

 8. https://www.arts.gov/accessibility/accessibility-resources/leadership-initiatives/arts-healthcare/arts-endowment-issues-3

 9. http://www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/architecture/art-cart-program/?hilite=%27art-cart%27%2C%27program%27

 10. Louv, Richard. Sierra. May/June 2019. 2101 Webster St., Suite 1300, Oakland, CA 94612

Ted R Myers

Ph: 517-896-3222

https://www.tedRmyers.com