Hospitals in Natural Environments: An Integrative Review on Recovery and Quality of Life Impact
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17162/rccs.v18i2.2118Keywords:
Nature-based hospitals, Quality of life, Patient recovery, Psychosocial well-being, Healthcare environmental designAbstract
Objective: To synthesize recent scientific evidence on the effects of hospitals located in or integrated with natural environments on patients’ quality of life, as well as their usefulness in clinical practice and public health. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted in academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect), using inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024. Results: The findings indicate that hospital environments incorporating natural elements—such as therapeutic gardens, natural lighting, landscaping, and visual access to outdoor spaces—promote stress reduction, improve physiological parameters, and enhance emotional well-being and perceived quality of care. Evidence gaps were identified in vulnerable populations, including older adults, patients with chronic conditions, and rural contexts. The results were grouped into three key dimensions: physiological impact, psycho-emotional benefits, and effects on the patient experience. Conclusion: This evidence supports the need to redesign hospital infrastructure by considering the natural environment as a social determinant of health, promoting more humanized, sustainable healthcare systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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