Moderating Effects of Individual Traits on the Association Between Nature and Patient Wait Experiences

Abstract

Objectives: We empirically investigated to what extent plants in the emergency department (ED) waiting areas influence patient wait experiences (i.e., anxiety, perceived service quality, and perception of wait time) depending on individual differences in cognitive thinking styles and one’s bonds with the natural world. Background: Positive effects of nature on patient experiences in healthcare environments are well established by empirical research findings. However, evidence is scarce on the impact of nature on patient wait experiences and the roles of patient traits often related to their backgrounds. Methods: A within-subjects study was conducted ( N = 116) with two virtually built ED waiting rooms: with versus without indoor and outdoor plants. Results: Findings confirmed that plants lower anxiety and improve perceptions of service quality and wait time. Cognitive thinking style significantly moderated how plants affected patient wait experiences. Although participants with higher connectedness to nature showed more positive responses to the nature condition, connectedness to nature did not significantly affect the association between nature and wait experiences. Conclusions: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on nature’s effects in healthcare environments by examining the roles of individual differences in patients’ and visitors’ cognitive styles and connectedness to nature. Results highlighted the impact of these differences in patient experiences for effective implications of nature in waiting areas of healthcare facilities.