I read an excerpt about New York City in one of Malcolm Gladwell’s books, “The Tipping Point”. It was said that during his term, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani cleaned up the subways of New York in an effort to curb criminal activity in the area. Gladwell mentioned that the strategy, known as “The Broken Window Theory”, became successful because our environment influences our well-being. By cleaning up and tidying the streets, mobsters were given the message that someone was in charge of the city and was being monitored.
For Ally*, a 6-year-old patient with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the creation of a beautiful environment epitomized the road to a better quality of life. Through the Ruth Foundation’s Happy Room Project (which began in 2013), Ally and those with chronic illnesses get the chance to see a world of beauty and color. This can make all the difference, especially for someone who is dealing with life’s challenges at such a young age.
Ally* in her Spongebob-themed “Happy Room”.
The value of a clean, organized, and aesthetically appealing environment goes beyond pleasing the senses. Just as a healthy environment improved the character of the city of New York, promoting a “happy room” instead of a drab hospital-like atmosphere can create wonders for healing. We do not just spend money on interior design for bragging rights, just as we do not just wear well-pressed and clean-smelling clothes to attract people. The dignity and self-esteem it promotes can elevate one’s mood and promotes the release of happy hormones. These emotional benefits can make a difference in the lives of people.
In a study published recently in the Health Environments Research and Design Journal, a meta-synthesis showed that there are 5 factors needed when designing a palliative and hospice care environment. These include a shared space, a safe place, a reflective place, a place for family, and a place with good aesthetics and ambiance. It is surprising that not all hospice patients desired a private room in isolation – they craved interaction. Providing access to a small garden, or even placing plants or other living creatures in a room was a big help. A nice view conducive to self-reflection also enabled patients to see through themselves and plan out things they still want to achieve. I already mentioned in a previous article how this was accomplished in Ospital ng Muntinlupa, where a palliative care unit was recently established with the renovation of rooms for hospice care4. This may be used as a template for hospitals – even public hospitals – that are contemplating having their own hospice care units.
The SSAFeR place approach** details the factors that need to be addressed when designing a palliative care environment.
Whether the goal is to suppress crime in the city or to promote care at the end of life, a happy, secure, clean, and modest environment is always a key to success. After all, when we see nature in all its splendor, we marvel at the wonders that it offers. Humanity will always be attracted to beautiful things, for it makes our existence meaningful and colorful.
*name changed for patient’s privacy
**Miller, et. Al. (2021). The Physical Hospital Environment and Its Effects on Palliative Patients and Their Families: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/19375867211032931