Improving the Mental State of Patients in Clinical Settings Using a Non-pharmacological Method

Over the past two decades, a shift and rethinking has occurred by placing focus on patient-centered care. In 2001, the Institute of Medicine included patient-centered care as 1 of 6 specific aims at improving and bridging the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of care required for patients. However, one area that patient-centered care has failed to clearly address is the psychological experience of patients waiting in clinics. In this paper, we address such psychological factors that impact patients and introduce a novel approach that has the potential for reducing stress and anxiety while waiting in clinical environments. Through this approach, we attempt at answering the following questions: Since patients might experience anxiety and stress while waiting, can a perceptual change in the environment help minimize such level of discomfort? And furthermore, can such a stress-reduction approach assist patients in communicating their symptoms more clearly to doctors?