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No one enjoys being in the hospital and the critical care unit (ICU) is particularly stressful. Most patients are only in the ICU because their lives are at risk and this can make the area feel hostile and even more unpleasant. However, in a Berlin hospital, LED lighting used to comfort hospital patients has proven to be quite effective.
The LED lighting is designed to simulate daylight and is incorporated into ceiling panels that mimic the sky. This is part of a concept known as ‘Parametric Spatial Design’ where stress is reduced by adjusting certain factors. Using ART+COM software, hospital staff can key in specific lighting types and visual effects that simulate skies for their patients. These effects are based on the patient’s mood and needs, as well as the actual live weather reports.
Stretching from the ceiling to the wall directly in front of the patient’s bed, the luminous panel designed by Philips has 15,400 LED lights which offer both cold and warm light tones to recreate sunlight. The system mimics realistic daylight cycles and has been shown to help patients sleep better. This results in faster improvements since the patient will be better rested.
Using this unique method of lighting is beneficial both for the mental state of patients and their physical health. Studies have shown that the isolation of the ICU, combined with poor lighting and loud noises can contribute to patients deteriorating into shock. By eliminating just one of these factors, patient health could be drastically improved. However, at the Charité Clinic in Berlin, they’ve taken things a little further by reducing the sounds in each ICU room. The medical equipment is also hidden to prevent many common anxiety issues.
An added bonus of the illuminated panel is an increase in the sense of well being among hospital staff. When the nurses and other staff feel calmer, they tend to exude this to their patients, as well.
The LED panel from Philips has great potential. While it is currently being tested in Charité Clinic in Berlin, it could well be found in hospitals around the world in the near future.
