Paint is typically used to decorate, protect and prolong the life of various synthetic and natural materials. But when it comes to paint and the healthcare setting, professional paint contractors go far beyond the aesthetic appeal and protection of surfaces. At Performance Painting Contractors, for instance, we’re well aware of all the implications of using different paint products and colors in healthcare facilities. For this reason, we would like to advise healthcare facility managers to hone in on the next three factors when picking paint products for a hospital or medical complex.
- Paint colors affect feelings, minds and bodies.
Some skeptics argue that emotional responses to colors are caused by culturally learned associations. But they do admit that people involuntarily respond to the colors around them. Going one step further, researchers assert that colors have a very powerful effect on the human mind, body and health. Concisely, colors can convey a wide range of emotions, ranging from calmness, cheerfulness and enthusiasm to opposing feelings like anxiety, fear, hopelessness and sadness.Scientists have concluded that any feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety and anger deplete the brain chemicals that activate happiness. This has a damaging effect on the immune system. The major problem is that a weakened immune system cannot fight off germs, viruses and bacteria. Also, anxiety and anger can cause or worsen hypertension, cardiovascular disease and digestive disorders. When considering paint and the healthcare setting, therefore, determining what colors are best suited for each area should be done with plenty of consideration. As a rule of thumb, soft, muted pastels that are known to induce relaxation and produce positive feelings can do wonders in a healthcare facility.
- New paint products can prevent the spread of different bacteria and germs.
Another important aspect about paint and the healthcare setting is that manufacturers have developed new paint products that can kill certain types of drug-resistant bacteria (e.g. E.coli, VRE, MRSA, Staph, Enterobacter, etc.) and inhibit the growth of common germs, stopping their spread. Since 4 in 100 patients contract at least one healthcare-associated infection during their hospital stay, opting for microbicidal paint is one of the best strategies to fend off dangerous bacterial infections that cost the U.S. healthcare system between $28 billion and $45 billion per year. In addition to using coating products with anti-microbial agents, opting for other specialty coatings along with low-VOC or no-VOC paint systems can prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improve indoor air quality. - Advanced paint technologies can help healthcare facilities comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
We cannot talk about paint and the healthcare setting without referring to the key role interior design and decor play in today’s healthcare industry. Based on the PPACA, healthcare facilities have more responsibilities with regard to patient care and overall satisfaction. Most patients visit healthcare facilities during stressful times. So, design shouldn’t just meet certain functional demands but also provide a healthy, safe and relaxing environment. Improving indoor air quality, warding off germs, eliminating odors and enhancing aesthetics, advanced coating solutions allow healthcare facilities to provide a superior patient experience and hit high marks with the latest PPACA standards.
If you’ve been assigned the difficult task of coming up with a color palette for your healthcare facility, our color consultants are here to help you out. Guided by our experts, you’ll be able to choose coating systems and colors with confidence, while making the right long-term decisions about major problems that range from bacterial control to sustainability. Equally important, our commercial painting contractors can professionally execute any paint job with minimum disruption. To benefit from professional color consulting and painting services that can enhance the overall appearance of your healthcare facility and make your patients’ lives brighter and more colorful, please call our Tampa office directly at (813)-308-0388 or Jacksonville office at (904)-641-4800.
