The power of the familiar in an unfamiliar place

We’re biologically wired¹ to react in unfamiliar environments with a heightened level of stress.

That stress often triggers a fight-or-flight response²  — but patients in a hospital aren’t in a condition to fight or flee.

That sense of lack of control can escalate into more anxiety, negatively affecting³ their physical health even more.

So what can you do when your hospital — an environment of treatment and healing — may be impacting your patients’ mental and emotional health?

Distract them.

This doesn’t mean keeping them in the dark. (Informed and engaged patients are crucial⁴ to quality care.)

It means you can — and should — provide patients with comforting, personal, positive distraction options.

Positive distraction can be a soothing song. A favorite movie. A show they were binging before they came to the hospital.

The psychological benefits of positive distraction

When someone is in an unfamiliar place, a familiar routine can bring a sense of normalcy and relaxation.

Having access to choose what those small moments of comfort are can give patients a sense of control in a place where they otherwise feel helpless.

Positive distractions can also:

• Reduce patient anxiety, even if all they’re doing is waiting⁵
• Help patients experience less pain⁶
• Prevent a spiral of negative emotions⁷
• Boost positive emotions, which help patients cope⁸ with the situation of being at your hospital

Caring for patients physically and emotionally

The physical care for your patients is the focus during their stay, but emotional and mental care is equally as important and should not be overlooked.

A new mom whose world has forever changed at your hospital may crave the familiarity of her favorite music to keep her grounded.

A person anxiously awaiting to hear if the surgery was a success may need a show that can completely shift their attention away from fear and uncertainty.

A family gathered to comfort their loved one during treatment may welcome a choice of games to bond over.

A child confused and in pain may find that a beloved cartoon makes it a little bit better.

What your patients choose to distract themselves with is secondary to making sure the options are there — because it’s not just entertainment or a secondary amenity, it’s a proven way to help them feel better.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2019. It has been updated for freshness and comprehensiveness.