Conference Agenda

Objective

Pre-operative waiting for cardiac surgery can generate anxiety, uncertainty and psychological distress. Hospital environments that incorporate green spaces may support wellbeing and provide opportunities for restorative experiences during hospital stays. This review explores how environmental design and digital navigation strategies can be combined to address vulnerabilities experienced during pre-operative waiting in public healthcare settings.

Methods

A narrative review examined four domains: (1) the effects of hospital green spaces on patient wellbeing; (2) psychosocial vulnerabilities associated with pre-operative waiting; (3) digital health strategies for patient guidance and anxiety management; and (4) integrated environmental–digital care models. Literature published between 2015 and 2025 with a focus on public healthcare contexts was analysed.

Results

Evidence indicates that access to hospital green spaces, such as those implemented at Hospital de Messejana (Brazil), is associated with reduced stress and improved mood. However, pre-operative waiting periods often involve uncertainty, information gaps and emotional distress. Digital navigation strategies—including scheduling support, patient education and communication tools—can help address these challenges. Integrating environmental and digital approaches may create synergistic benefits by combining stress reduction through nature contact with improved patient guidance. Accessible green areas may also encourage light physical activity, such as walking and outdoor mobility.

Conclusions

Integrating green infrastructure with digital patient-support strategies may contribute to more supportive, patient-centred and health-promoting healthcare environments.