Color in the OBS Environment

When choosing a color scheme for your OBS environment it is helpful to keep some basic concepts in mind, so that your space produces the effect you want for your patients, yourself and your staff. Cool colors tend to produce a calming effect, while the warmer colors tend to increase stimulation.

However, studies on the psycho-physiological effects of color have shown that the intensity of a color is more important in determining its effect, than the color itself. The level of color saturation has a bigger impact than the actual hue. A good designer knows that the clever use of color can trick the eye, and create an impression that makes a room seem larger or smaller, with cool colors receding and warm colors advancing.

Color can also impact perceived ‘environmental comfort’. You may feel cooler in a light blue room at 75° F than in a room painted deep red at the same temperature. Studies have confirmed this finding.

The Patient Experience: Color, Design & Motifs

Good design, color choices, and lighting can positively impact patient perception and complement their overall experience. Light colors are associated with cleanliness; imagery of scenic natural settings and soothing auditory distractions can create a positive perception and enhance outcomes, even while the patient is under sedation.

Color in the Operating Room

Color theory holds that the human eye’s ‘red receptors’ become fatigued after prolonged exposure to (red) blood. This diminishing sensitivity of the eye to the color red causes an afterimage of green floaters in front of the eye. It is thought that focusing on green or blue (the surgery suite walls) helps to reduce strain on the eye, and minimizes or prevents the green floaters afterimage from occurring. That is why it is so often recommended that surgical walls be blue or green in color.

Lighting in the OBS environment

There are several ways in which lighting impacts on patient care and outcomes:

Accurate Performance of Visual Tasks

The surgical staff needs to see clearly during a procedure. When using a surgical monitor for minimally invasive (MIS) procedures, the ambient light must be conducive to the clear visualization of the surgical monitor, with absolutely no glare. Green-hued lighting is known to cause the least eye fatigue.

Reduce the Risk for Error

Brighter lighting conditions closely correlate with fewer errors. Ideally, complimentary room lights are implemented during MIS procedures to achieve both surgeon comfort and visual acuity as well clear and accurate visual task performance.

Staff Stress and Satisfaction

Increased natural light – both artificial and natural –has a positive impact on patients, and a profound positive impact on staff mood and task performance.