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 BEDSCAPES
are firmly grounded in environmental psychological research and are,
themselves, the subject of a growing number of new and exciting robust
scientific studies. (See sidebar for the latest research results.)
BEDSCAPES are based on two related avenues of scientific research,
one that demonstrate the healing power of nature and the other, of
deep relaxation. Since BEDSCAPES use the power of nature to promote
patient relaxation, they combine both areas of scientific inquiry.
While the healing power of nature has been
known through the ages, recent scientific studies have shown this
power to be greater than we ever imagined. The BEDSCAPES' selection
of nature scenes were made in consultation with Roger Ulrich, PhD
and others. In 1984, Dr. Ulrich reported that patients who had bedside
views of nature had briefer hospital stays and needed less medication
(Science, 1984).
In 1992 Dr. Ulrich and his colleague Russ Parsons,
PhD, reported that "visual exposure to (nature) settings has
produced significant recovery from stress within only five minutes,
as indicated by changes in physiological measures such as blood
pressure and muscle tension."("Influence of Passive Experiences
with Plants on Individual Well-Being and Health" in Felf, D.
(ed.) 1992, The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-Being and Social
Development, Portland, OR; Timber Press, p. 102).
Although not strictly speaking, a "natural"
environment, BEDSCAPES triggers
the innate human response to nature which is to relax, recharge,
and restore, even within the confines of a healthcare facility.
Patients, their families and their attending clinicians have repeatedly
attested to observing similar relaxing effects from Bedscapes within
just a few minutes.
The use of sound for purposes of relaxation
is also well established. Yosaif August's innovation is in combining
"biophilic" nature sights and sounds and bringing to the
patient's bedside in a practical and flexible way. This innovation
was deemed so distinctive and unique, that it was granted multiple
patents by the U.S. Patent Office. As reported in the British journal
The Lancet (Vol.353, Number 9162, 24 April, 1999), preliminary results
from a randomized controlled study of Bedscapes for cardiac catheterization
patients(see below), showed the most dramatic stress reducing benefits
for patients who were exposed to both the nature sights and sounds
of Bedscapes.
BEDSCAPES help patients experience two types
of relaxation: psychological and physiological.
Psychological relaxation
- feeling calmer, more serene
- relief from anxiety
- relief from pain
- ease of sleep
Physiological Relaxation
- indicated by reduction of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory
rate
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