Effect of visual art on patient anxiety

There is a growing body of evidence on the impact of the environment on health and well-being. This study focuses on the impact of visual artworks on the well-being of psychiatric patients in a multi-purpose lounge of an acute care psychiatric unit. Well-being was measured by the rate of pro re nata (PRN) medication issued by nurses in response to visible signs of patient anxiety and agitation. Nurses were interviewed to obtain qualitative feedback on patient responses. Findings revealed that the ratio of PRN/patient census was significantly lower on the days when a realistic nature photograph was displayed, compared to the control condition (no art) and abstract art. Nurses reported that some patients displayed agitated behavior in response to the abstract image. This study makes a case for the impact of visual art on mental well-being. The research findings were also translated into the time and money invested in PRN incidents, and annual cost savings of almost $US30 000 a year were projected. This research makes the case that simple environmental interventions, such as visual art, can reduce hospital costs for medication and staff and pharmacy time by providing a visual distraction that alleviates anxiety and agitation in patients.