Research Article
Improving the Mental State of Patients in Clinical Settings Using a Non-pharmacological Method
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-319-11564-1_7, author={Mehdi Nazemi and Diane Gromala and Maryam Mobini and Jeremy Mamisao}, title={Improving the Mental State of Patients in Clinical Settings Using a Non-pharmacological Method}, proceedings={Pervasive Computing Paradigms for Mental Health. 4th International Symposium, MindCare 2014, Tokyo, Japan, May 8-9, 2014, Revised Selected Papers}, proceedings_a={MINDCARE}, year={2014}, month={12}, keywords={Mental wellbeing Clinical environment Affective care Binaural audio}, doi={10.1007/978-3-319-11564-1_7} }- Mehdi Nazemi
Diane Gromala
Maryam Mobini
Jeremy Mamisao
Year: 2014
Improving the Mental State of Patients in Clinical Settings Using a Non-pharmacological Method
MINDCARE
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-11564-1_7
Abstract
Over the past two decades, a shift and rethinking has occurred by placing focus on patient-centered care. In 2001, the Institute of Medicine included patient-centered care as 1 of 6 specific aims at improving and bridging the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of care required for patients. However, one area that patient-centered care has failed to clearly address is the psychological experience of patients waiting in clinics. In this paper, we address such psychological factors that impact patients and introduce a novel approach that has the potential for reducing stress and anxiety while waiting in clinical environments. Through this approach, we attempt at answering the following questions: Since patients might experience anxiety and stress while waiting, can a perceptual change in the environment help minimize such level of discomfort? And furthermore, can such a stress-reduction approach assist patients in communicating their symptoms more clearly to doctors?