The effect of nature as positive distractibility on the Healing Process of Patients with cancer in therapeutic settings

Abstract

Background: Environmental design has a positive effect on patient health. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nature on positive distraction on the Healing Process of Patients with Cancer.

Method: This research is a descriptive-correlational study which conducted on 80 cancer patients in an educational center with two different outlooks (natural view and no natural view) in Hamadan, Iran from March to May 2017. Patients were selected by convenience sampling method based on inclusion criteria. Two kinds of questionnaires including State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and visual analog scale (VAS) about pain were distributed among who view natural landscapes (nature group) and who don't view natural landscapes (no nature group). Two groups compared in terms of pain and anxiety. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 22.

Results: Findings of the study indicate that admitted patients viewing natural scenery had less anxiety (P < 0.001) and pain (P = 0.02) than admitted patients viewing no natural scenes.

Conclusion: Natural scenes caused to reduce the pain and anxiety, so using this healing power of nature leads to positive distraction.

Keywords: Environmental therapy; Healing environment; Natural scenery; Positive distraction.