Investigating the Impact of Window Features and Room Layout on Anxiety, Depression, and Analgesic Medication Intake Among Patients: A Pilot Study in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract

Objectives: This observational, pilot study investigated the impact of room layout (orientation of patient bed toward windows) and window features (blind positions) on patients' perceived anxiety and depression levels as well as analgesic medication intake in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

Background: While room layout and window features in patient rooms can impact the effectiveness of windows, there is a paucity of research on how these features can alleviate coexisting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain among hospitalized CICU patients with heart disease.

Methodology: Blind positions, light, and temperature levels were recorded hourly in south-facing, windowed patient rooms of the same size with parallel or perpendicular patient bed placement to the window in a CICU. Anxiety scores, depression scores, and analgesic medication intake (mg) were obtained daily for 11 patients (22 observation days). Generalized linear models were employed to investigate the relationships between variables.

Results: Blind positions (open, semiopen, closed) varied throughout patients' CICU stay across the rooms. Linear models indicated that patients in rooms with predominantly open blinds (hourly frequency ≥ 50% per day) had significantly lower average anxiety (p = .004) and depression scores (p = .015), as well as reduced analgesic medication intake (p < .001) compared to those in rooms with closed blinds. The study found no significant relationships between different room layouts and the measured outcomes.

Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of considering environmental factors, such as window features and room layout in CICUs, as nonmedical interventions to enhance patient health during hospitalization.