Zya Dyena Meutia, yasnibar

THE INFLUENCE OF GARDEN ON PSYCHOLOGICAL COMFORT WITHIN THE HEALING ENVIRONMENT CONCEPT (CASE STUDY : ZAINOEL ABIDIN HOSPITAL PARK)

Introduction

The influence of garden on psychological comfort within the healing environment concept (case study : zainoel abidin hospital park). Explore how Zainoel Abidin Hospital's garden influences psychological comfort within a healing environment, based on patient and visitor perceptions. A qualitative study.

Abstract

Zainoel Abidin Hospital has implemented a garden surrounding its premises to promote comfort, aesthetics, and safety. One approach to creating comfort in a hospital environment is by organizing and managing the space in both functional and aesthetic ways. This study aims to explore the perceptions of hospital users regarding the influence of the garden on their psychological comfort, based on the concept of a healing environment. The object of this study is the garden at Zainoel Abidin Hospital, with informants consisting of 10 individuals, 5 patients and 5 visitors. The method used is qualitative descriptive, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study, as seen from the interviews with garden users, indicate that the presence of a garden in the hospital provides greater benefits than merely enhancing aesthetic value. Informants noted that while some users found the garden calming and beneficial, others expressed discomfort due to inadequate facilities within the garden area.

Review

This study delves into a highly relevant and increasingly recognized area of healthcare design: the influence of hospital gardens on psychological comfort within a healing environment framework. The paper addresses a crucial aspect of patient and visitor well-being, acknowledging that the physical environment plays a significant role beyond mere functionality. By focusing on a specific case study – the Zainoel Abidin Hospital Park – the authors aim to provide valuable insights into user perceptions, which is a commendable objective given the growing emphasis on patient-centered care and the therapeutic potential of nature. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing observations, interviews, and documentation to gather data from 10 informants (5 patients and 5 visitors). While this qualitative method is appropriate for exploring nuanced perceptions, the extremely small sample size significantly limits the generalizability of the findings. The results indicate a mixed perception: while some users found the garden calming and beneficial, others experienced discomfort due to what are vaguely described as "inadequate facilities." This highlights a critical finding that merely installing a garden is insufficient; its design and maintenance directly impact its therapeutic efficacy. Overall, the study offers a valuable initial exploration into the complex interplay between hospital gardens and psychological comfort. Its primary strength lies in identifying that the perceived benefits are not universal and can be undermined by practical shortcomings. However, the abstract's brevity regarding the nature of the "inadequate facilities" leaves a critical gap in understanding actionable improvements. For future research, expanding the sample size, including diverse user groups, and providing specific details about design deficiencies would significantly enhance the robustness and practical applicability of the findings, moving beyond preliminary observations to offer more concrete recommendations for optimal healing garden design and management.

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