At Flagler Hospital, the coastal and oceanic imagery displayed inside the emergency department and Crisis Assessment Intervention and Referral (CAIR) Center provides viewers with a moment of escape from often stressful situations. Studies by The Center for Health Design have shown how nature art in a healthcare setting can help alleviate anxiety and create a positive perception of the overall quality of care.
The emergency department corridors and exam rooms feature framed photographs depicting relaxing beachscapes, colorful sunsets, and native wildlife. The refreshing pops of color help reduce the clinical feel and create a more inviting space. The familiar imagery is a welcomed distraction for patients and loved ones while they await results.
Additional steps were required inside the CAIR Center to ensure the artwork was safe for patients, families, and staff. The patient rooms feature vibrant adhesive wall graphics of pelicans, sea turtles, dolphins, and seashells, providing a window to the local landscape. Using wall graphics in a behavioral health setting can effectively enhance the patient experience and reduce the chance of injury in high-risk environments.