Profession
Study: Let there be light in hospitals
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 16, 2006
A new report says hospitals should let in more natural light and use the right kind of artificial illumination to help doctors and other health professionals perform at higher levels and improve patients' well being.
"Light allows staff to better perform visual tasks," said study author Anjali Joseph, PhD, research director at the Concord, Calif.-based Center for Health Design. "It also controls circadian systems, affects mood and perception and enables critical chemical reactions in the body."
Studies have linked better lighting with improved performance of complex visual tasks, according to the report. For patients, light is linked to faster recovery times, less pain and improved mood.
The report is available at the CHD Web site (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/10/16/prbf1016.htm.