Nursing

Bright idea: Light helps reduce medical errors, lift patient moods

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, October 20, 2006

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Letting in a little light can help a great deal in healthcare, according to a recent report published by the Center for Health Design. The paper, "The Impact of Light on Outcomes in Healthcare Settings," showed that light can help reduce medical errors among staff and, at the same time, benefit patients.

Specifically, by controlling the body's circadian system, increased light improves sleep cycles and reduces depression and pain, which leads to shorter lengths of stay for patients.

Both electric light and natural sunlight are important to the equation. Bright lights have been shown to improve the mood of the night staff, while past studies have often linked windows and natural light to increased satisfaction in the workplace, the paper states.

Sources: Center for Health Design paper, United Press International, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation



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