Montana State University Nursing Research Getting International Recognition

Research from multiple Montana State University professors is going on display in a London museum starting later this year.

In November, the Florence Nightengale Museum in London is opening a new exhibit titled "Healing Spaces", and one exhibit will feature MSU Nursing professor Elizabeth Johnson's work in the field of health care design.

What is health care design?

Obviously, I'm not in the field myself, but it appears to be a combination of health care and architecture, focusing on how the design of hospital spaces like exam and hospital rooms can have a measurable impact on the health of patients.

At some point, you've likely found yourself sitting in an exam room that has seen better days.  Maybe the floor has a definite wear pattern or the fluorescent lights are flickering.  Maybe the room could use a fresh coat of paint or it just feels "too sterile".  All those things can psychologically impact you and your health without you ever noticing.

I can get behind that.  Take a look at these pictures from inside the Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls.  I can fully believe that something like this is far more calming and relaxing than a stereotypical waiting room at a hospital or doctor's office.

What are some examples of health care design in practice?

One example of the research of Professor Johnson and her colleagues in practice can apparently be found at the Phillips County Hospital in Malta, where virtual skylights have been installed in hospital rooms to mimic natural light cycles without requiring extensive renovation.

What else is being featured in the exhibit?

Professor Johnson's work isn't the only thing from MSU that will be featured in the exhibit.  Other projects will also be highlighted, such as a prototype wearable device for people in clinical trials that uses the same technology we use to track packages and a program to improve the quality of tribal health care.