Understanding perceived healing through biophilic hospital room virtual reality scenarios

Purpose Motivated by the psychoevolutionary theory, this study investigated the impact of a biophilic environment in hospital rooms presented in virtual reality (VR) to simulated patients on perceived healing. It explored how varying degrees of nature exposure through window views, indoor plants and green-themed décor, influenced patients’ recovery perceptions, offering insights into evidence-based healthcare design. Design/methodology/approach A total of 12 VR scenarios of a hospital room were created, manipulating biophilic design elements. Participants rated the extent to which each scenario was perceived to contribute to the ability to heal after undergoing a hospital patient transportation narrative and acute external stressor process. The ratings were analyzed using full-profile conjoint and group conjoint analyses. Findings The results demonstrated that views of dense green nature from the window, abundant indoor plants and green colored room décor had the highest utility scores among attributes influencing the room’s perceived contribution to healing. In contrast, views of adjacent buildings and the hospital building envelope were negatively associated with perceived healing. Research limitations/implications Higher saturation of a green environment and interior design in hospitals, including views of nature from windows, higher quantities of indoor plants and prevalence of green-colored décor, can potentially boost patients’ healing confidence and psychological recovery, supporting their overall therapeutic experience. Originality/value This study explores simulated patients’ perceptions of hospital room environments in VR, focusing on biophilic and verdant environments. It examines views of nature, buildings and the sky through windows, presence of plants and interior design features including green walls.