title: Improving quality through the built environment.
abstract: State-of-the-art hospitals feature private rooms, tree-filled courtyards, fountains, family lounges and more--all in an effort to make patients and visitors more comfortable with their surroundings in a time of stress. A soothing atmosphere doesn't take a complete renovation: Many changes can be made for little investment. Such an environment does take a philosophical commitment by the entire institution, however, and that can't be changed with paint alone.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lowers
mesh_terms: D003116:Color; D005190:Family; D005195:Family Relations; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D015285:Hospital-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards*; D008029:Lighting; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000592:standards*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D014481:United States; D014789:Visitors to Patients