Biophilic Design for Mental Health in Healthcare Workers

Overseen By Wade Hamilton, BA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Not employed

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how special rooms designed with natural elements can reduce stress and anxiety in healthcare workers. These rooms, called Bio-Experiential Spaces, incorporate artificial plants, nature scenes, calming sounds, soft lighting, and soothing scents to create a relaxing environment. The trial aims to determine if time spent in these rooms improves mental health both short-term and long-term. Healthcare workers at Mount Sinai Hospital or the Icahn School of Medicine who frequently experience stress may be suitable for the trial. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research focused on enhancing workplace well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these biophilic spaces are safe for healthcare workers?

Research has shown that spaces designed with nature in mind, such as the Recharge Rooms, are generally safe for people. These areas aim to reduce stress by incorporating natural sights, sounds, and smells. Studies have found that such environments can lower stress levels and improve the well-being of healthcare workers.

No reports indicate negative effects from using these nature-inspired designs. They incorporate safe, non-invasive elements like artificial plants and nature sounds. This approach, tested in healthcare settings, has reduced stress and improved mood without causing harm.

Overall, evidence suggests that these nature-inspired spaces are safe and well-received by healthcare workers. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the biophilic design approach for mental health because it offers a fresh perspective beyond traditional therapies like medication and counseling. Unlike standard treatments that primarily focus on chemical or psychological interventions, biophilic design emphasizes creating environments enriched with natural elements, which can enhance well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This approach could provide a non-invasive, holistic way to support mental health, particularly for healthcare workers who may experience high levels of burnout and stress. By integrating nature into their workspaces, the hope is to foster a more supportive and rejuvenating environment, potentially leading to better mental health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that this biophilic design is effective for mental health in healthcare workers?

Research has shown that biophilic design, such as the Bio-Experiential Spaces in this trial, can significantly reduce stress for healthcare workers. Studies have found that these nature-inspired spaces lead to rapid stress reduction and are highly enjoyable for users. A detailed review found that these environments can also shorten hospital stays, lower patient death rates, and reduce pain, while easing stress for healthcare providers. These findings suggest that the sights, sounds, and scents of nature in these spaces positively affect mental health. Overall, evidence supports that these nature-based spaces effectively improve well-being for individuals in demanding healthcare jobs. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mar Cortes, MD

Principal Investigator

Icahn School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthcare workers over the age of 18 at Mount Sinai Hospital or Icahn School of Medicine. It's designed to help those experiencing trauma, anxiety, or stress related to their job.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 years old.

Current healthcare employee of Mount Sinai Hospital or the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Exclusion Criteria

Not employed by Mount Sinai or Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Biophilic Experience

Healthcare workers experience the biophilic-designed room to ameliorate trauma, anxiety, and stress

6 weeks

Online surveys

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for physiological and mental health outcomes after the biophilic experience

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Bio-Experiential Spaces

Trial Overview The study tests 'Recharge Rooms' with biophilic design—spaces that use nature-inspired elements like plant imitations, natural landscape projections, tailored lighting, nature sounds with music, and calming scents—to improve mental health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Biophilic experience Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Healthcare workers will experience the biophilic-designed room

Bio-Experiential Spaces is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Recharge Rooms for:

• Stress reduction
• Anxiety alleviation
• Trauma mitigation

Approved in European Union as Bio-Experiential Spaces for:

• Mental health support
• Burnout prevention
• Well-being enhancement

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials

933

Recruited

579,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Biophilic interior design can significantly enhance the health of individuals with chronic diseases by integrating elements like light therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation opportunities into residential spaces.

These design interventions have been shown to reduce migraine headaches and chronic pain, as well as improve symptoms of depression, highlighting the potential for therapeutic environments in various settings, including homes and healthcare facilities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression. Huntsman, DD., Bulaj, G.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 33 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, biophilic Green Therapy and Virtual Reality environments did not show statistically significant reductions in pain or distress compared to a control room, but patients found these environments more enjoyable.

Despite the lack of significant statistical differences in physiological measures, the study suggests that biophilic interventions are safe, feasible, and may enhance the overall experience of oncology patients during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of virtual reality v. biophilic environments on pain and distress in oncology patients: a case-crossover pilot study. Ashley Verzwyvelt, L., McNamara, A., Xu, X., et al.[2022]

Biophilic design in hospitals, which enhances the connection between buildings and nature, is crucial for improving the quality of environments and the health of users, especially highlighted by the increased focus on well-being since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite its importance, many hospitals, including those in China, lack effective biophilic design, and there is a need for standardized approaches to integrate these natural features into healthcare spaces to meet both functional and user-specific demands.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Biophilic Design as an Important Bridge for Sustainable Interaction between Humans and the Environment: Based on Practice in Chinese Healthcare Space. Zhao, Y., Zhan, Q., Xu, T.[2022]

The initial phase of a longitudinal study in Australia shows that biophilic design elements, such as natural lighting and plants, positively impact worker productivity and well-being within the first three months.

The ongoing two-year study aims to further explore the cognitive, social, psychological, and physical health benefits of biophilic design in the workplace, indicating a commitment to understanding how these environments can enhance overall worker performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high performing occupants? Gray, T., Birrell, C.[2018]

A nature-inspired relaxation space, called the Recharge Room, significantly reduced stress levels among healthcare workers, with self-reported stress dropping from an average of 4.58/6 to 1.85/6 after just 15 minutes (p < 0.001).

Out of 496 users who completed a survey, the Recharge Room received an impressive Net Promoter Score of 99.3%, indicating that users found the experience highly enjoyable and beneficial for stress relief.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms Yield Short-Term Reductions in Perceived Stress Among Frontline Healthcare Workers. Putrino, D., Ripp, J., Herrera, JE., et al.[2020]

The systematic review of nine studies highlights key biophilic design parameters that enhance the well-being of hospital users, including fresh air, daylight, and comfort for outpatients, while inpatients prioritize relaxation and security.

The findings provide a ranked list of critical biophilic design features that can inform future hospital designs, aiming to improve both patient and staff experiences in clinical environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Biophilic Design Parameters in Clinical Environments. Tekin, BH., Corcoran, R., Gutiérrez, RU.[2022]

The study emphasizes the importance of therapeutic environments in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients, highlighting that biophilic design—incorporating nature into healthcare settings—can significantly enhance health outcomes.

A revised biophilic design framework was developed based on user experiences and expert interviews, which ranks critical design parameters tailored to specific healthcare contexts, aiming to improve the effectiveness of future healthcare facility designs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human-centred health-care environments: a new framework for biophilic design. Tekin, BH., Urbano Gutiérrez, R.[2023]

In a study involving 76 rehabilitation patients, those in rooms with biophilic nature imagery rated their environment significantly better than those in standard rooms, indicating a positive impact on their hospital experience.

While the presence of nature imagery improved room ratings and patient satisfaction, other aspects like quality of sleep and overall care showed trends towards improvement but were not statistically significant.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Biophilic Nature Imagery on Indexes of Satisfaction in Medically Complex Physical Rehabilitation Patients: An Exploratory Study. Wichrowski, MJ., Corcoran, JR., Haas, F., et al.[2022]

A study involving 57 employees demonstrated that designing workplaces with a biophilic approach, which incorporates natural elements, can enhance employee well-being and reduce stress.

The research included a participatory design process where employees' needs were assessed and addressed, leading to improved perceptions of workplace quality after the renovation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Participatory Interior Design Approach for a Restorative Work Environment: A Research-Intervention. Pasini, M., Brondino, M., Trombin, R., et al.[2021]

A study with 100 participants using virtual reality showed that biophilic indoor environments significantly improve recovery from stress and anxiety compared to non-biophilic environments, with physiological benefits observed within the first four minutes of exposure.

Different types of biophilic design elements had varying effects on stress recovery, suggesting that specific natural features can be strategically used to enhance therapeutic environments, such as in hospitals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of biophilic indoor environment on stress and anxiety recovery: A between-subjects experiment in virtual reality. Yin, J., Yuan, J., Arfaei, N., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-anxiety-2-2022-1a976

Biophilic Design for Mental Health in Healthcare Workers A nature-inspired relaxation space, called the Recharge Room, significantly reduced stress levels among healthcare workers, with self-reported stress ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7714047/

Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms Yield ... Recharge Rooms such as those described here produce significant short-term reductions in perceived stress, and users find them highly enjoyable.

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1467692/full

A systematic review of the impact of therapeutical biophilic ... The results show that biophilic design in hospitals reduces hospitalization time, patient mortality, pain levels, and stress for healthcare providers.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/347064914_Multisensory_Nature-Inspired_Recharge_Rooms_Yield_Short-Term_Reductions_in_Perceived_Stress_Among_Frontline_Healthcare_Workers

(PDF) Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms ... It is imperative that we develop novel tools to assist healthcare workers in dealing with the significant additional stress and trauma that has ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494421001353

Biophilic office design: Exploring the impact of a ... We evaluated the impact of a multisensory biophilic environment on occupants' cognitive performance, stress, productivity, mood, connectedness to nature, and ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11878902/

Exploring biophilic building designs to promote wellbeing ... Biophilic designs aim to promote health and wellbeing by incorporating nature-based features into internal and external built environments.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S161886672500086X

Does perceived biophilic design contribute to human well ... This study examined how perceived biophilic design (PBD) and perceived restorativeness in urban parks influenced visitors' subjective vitality.