Increasing the Quality of Life: Effects of indoor and Outdoor Plants in the Medical Center of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background and Aim: Cancer is one of the stressful problems of humans life. The concept of cancer will included a complex problems such as cancer pain, physical and psychological, social, and cultural pains. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the physical environment of hospital and quality of life in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In this mixed study (qualitative – quantitative), 60 cancer patients referred to Imam Khomeini hospital of Ardabil and Shahid Beheshti hospital of Hamadan in 2013 were selected randomly. The data were collected by interview and observation and using the SL-36 quality of life questionnaire and also structured questionnaires was used. Results: The analysis confirmed that images of natural scenes and artificial plants in hospital rooms increase the quality of life. See watching the outside plant, even outside the room, increase the quality of life. Conclusion: This study confirms the quality of life increasing properties of natural elements in healthcare environment.

Keywords

• quality of life
• cancer patients
• nature
• therapeutic space