The experience of waiting is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare delivery. Patients frequently spend considerable amounts of time in waiting areas, with average waiting times for NHS services extending significantly and durations in waiting rooms ranging from one to six hours. The design of the waiting spaces plays a crucial role in shaping patients’ overall healthcare experience, impacting their perceptions of care, emotional well-being, and subsequent interactions with healthcare professionals, which can subsequently affect treatment processes. The role of art as a positive distraction in waiting areas has been acknowledged, yet the impact of the holistic interplay between art and other elements of the physical environment remains underexplored.

Aims: This study aims to bridge the existing research gap by adopting a holistic approach to waiting area design in healthcare facilities. It seeks to evaluate how various aesthetic elements of design contribute to improving patient comfort and the overall experience.

Methods: A mixed-methods research design is employed, beginning with a systematic literature review to gather insights into previously studied aesthetic elements of waiting area designs. Subsequently, a quantitative study is conducted using patient questionnaires to assess preferences regarding different design elements, including art, nature, window views, etc. Participants will be asked to compare and select their most preferred designs from a range of waiting area configurations. Additionally, interviews will be conducted with patients in two waiting areas featuring various design approaches.

Results: Preliminary findings indicate a strong preference among patients for waiting areas that incorporate both art and elements of nature, as well as providing design configurations for privacy and safety. These preferences underscore the importance of a holistic design approach that considers both aesthetic appeal and functional practicality.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the design of healthcare waiting areas should not be overlooked, as it plays a vital role in patient care. A well-designed waiting area can mitigate the stress and anxiety associated with waiting, improve patient-doctor communication, and influence treatment outcomes. The research highlights the need for healthcare facilities to adopt a holistic design strategy that integrates both aesthetic and physical design elements to create environments that support patient well-being.

Implications: This research will have potential implications for healthcare administrators, architects, and designers, offering a framework for the development of waiting areas that cater to patient needs and preferences. This study advocates for a shift in perspective, recognising the waiting area as a crucial component of the healthcare environment that warrants careful consideration and strategic design.