Optimal Healing Environments for Families

The current understanding of what constitutes optimal healing environments for patients and families is inconsistent. The term optimal healing environments (OHE) is referred to in literature as physical spaces that are aesthetically appealing and soothing for patients and families experiencing illness, hospitalization, or grief; an organizational culture that supports patient and family physical, emotional, and spiritual healing; a psychologically supportive environment that enables patients and their families to cope and overcome illness; and a model of health that transcends all of these concepts. The word healing comes from the Anglo-Saxon word haelen, which means to make whole or experience harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Regardless of the understanding, the ultimate goal of every dimension of the OHE is to improve health and promote healing ...