In the increasingly competitive market for attracting patients, successful physicians are implementing color and aesthetics in their office setting décor. Part of the reason is the realization that exam room décor has a profound effect on patient attitudes toward their healthcare experience. Exam rooms and waiting rooms today must by patient friendly; that is, they must be perceived as non-threatening, pleasant and inviting, not just functional.

A custom wall mural placed in a waiting area or exam room helps patients relax. Greens and blues should be used liberally as they can induce feelings of calm and relaxation, as stated in Wikipedia. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_therapy). A custom wall mural also communicates that the physician is attentive to patient feelings, and the patients will realize and appreciate this.

In one study, a soothing sea life wall mural placed in a dental procedure room produced the intended positive effect. "Patients who looked at the mural during the procedure were 43 percent more likely to report pain control as good or excellent, even after controlling for such factors as pain medication, health, race and education," Dr. Gregory Diette, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Wall murals also give patients something to become absorbed in while in the waiting room. It takes their attention away from reality to a relaxing retreat. The mural has the same effect as the traditional outdated magazines and boring pharmaceutical literature strewn about less patient friendly offices: positive diversion. The big difference is how upbeat, friendly, and pleasing to the eye the wall mural image is compared to the tired office literature. It really does make a difference to the consumer, and this cannot be denied or underestimated for the purposes of recruiting and retaining satisfied patients.

Attention to detail, as well as attention to the evolving needs of patients, are two of the obvious hallmarks of success in the healthcare industry today. A wall mural or custom wall mural from ArtisticHomeowner.com is an effective and surprisingly affordable office décor solution. Physicians and dentists alike can choose form a wide variety of pleasing images infused with blues and greens. The wall mural will do wonders to reduce the stress of the patients waiting to see the doctor.