Dataset for thematic analysis of color design in hospitals

Based on the research presented in the article "Research trends and status of color design in hospitals: A thematic analysis," the study explores the application of color design in hospital environments through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The research hypothesis implicitly revolves around understanding the current trends, status, and impact of color design on hospital environments and patient rehabilitation experiences.
The quantitative results reveal several notable findings. Firstly, the word cloud analysis indicates that terms such as "art," "design," "color," "treatment," "patient," "pain," "research," and "hospital" are frequently mentioned, highlighting the core focus areas of the research. The publication trend shows a peak in 2023 with 7 publications, indicating significant research interest in that year, though it declined to 2 in 2025. Regionally, research is more prominent in Europe (especially the UK and Canada) and Asia (particularly China), suggesting that these regions are more active in exploring the application of color design in healthcare environments.
Notably, the thematic analysis identifies five core themes: Art Therapy Applications, Color and Light Effects, Pediatric Environmental Design, Integration of Cultural Traditions, and Spatial Design and Multisensory Interventions. These themes reflect the multidisciplinary nature of color design in hospitals and its potential impact on both psychological and physiological aspects of patient recovery. For instance, the theme of Color and Light Effects shows that colors can trigger physiological responses such as regulating blood pressure and influencing brainwave patterns, while Pediatric Environmental Design highlights the importance of using child-friendly colors to reduce anxiety and create a more welcoming environment for young patients.
The data description also indicates that the majority of authors focus on specific themes, such as "Color and Light Effects," while some integrate multiple themes, demonstrating the diversity and innovation in this research field. Additionally, the study finds that research on the application of color design in hospitals is more evenly distributed across various journals, suggesting that the field is still developing and lacks a centralized focus.
Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the current status and trends of color design in hospital environments, highlighting its potential to enhance patient experiences and recovery processes. Future research should further explore the specific needs of different user groups and the integration of cultural elements into hospital color design to develop more effective and inclusive healthcare spaces.