Surgical procedures can instill a sizeable amount of anxiety in patients from all different backgrounds. Previous studies have thoroughly explored how increased stress and anxiety can adversely influence the recovery process following a surgical procedure. Visual and physical contact with natural elements such as plants has been linked with stress reduction, and may be a more viable option as opposed to repeated use of anesthetics and analgesics. Further research is needed to understand how effective exposure to nature can be for patients recovering from surgery.
To determine if exposing surgical patients to plants affects their recovery rates and overall stress levels.
This study took place over the course of one year in an 809-bed suburban hospital. 80 female patients participated, all of whom had undergone thyroidectomy surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to rooms with plants or no plants, with an equal number of single- and six-patient rooms being divided between the two populations. Views from all patient windows showed only the sky, with no visible plant life. The vital signs of all patients were measured throughout the duration of their stay, and all questionnaires related to anxiety and fatigue were issued post-surgery.
Patients who viewed plants remained in the hospital for significantly shorter periods of time than those who had no plants in their room (average of 6.08 days versus 6.39 days). Patients exposed to plants also required less medication following surgery. No significant differences in vital signs were found between the two groups of patients. Five days after surgery, fatigue levels were significantly lower in the plant population of patients when compared to the no-plant patient population.
This study took place in a single healthcare center and involved a homogenous patient population. Details regarding which types of plants are more effective for mitigating anxiety and fatigue are not thoroughly explored. Staff perceptions on plant presence and maintenance are not explored.