Colours in medicine

STRUCTOGRAM, or the colours of the brain

In the 1970s, American Paul MacLean, during research carried out at the Laboratory of Brain Evolution and Behaviour (NIMH, USA), introduced the concept of three brain structures:

• endbrain;
• interbrain;
• brainstem.

On this basis, the STRUCTOGRAM tool was developed, which assigned specific colours (blue, green, red) to the different brain structures, depending on which part of the brain was activated most frequently in the subject.

Green, red or blue?

If the dominant brain structure is the stem, responsible for feelings and instinct, the brain biostructure will be marked in green. A person in whom the dominant part of the brain turns out to be the interbrain responsible for emotional-impulsive behaviour will be marked in red. The dominance of the endbrain responsible for rational behaviour will be marked in blue. For a better illustration, we can say that people with a red brain biostructure speak first and then think about the consequences, with blue – think first, then act, and with green – are concerned with empathy. Each colour corresponds to one of the brain structures, the dominant one of which determines our character [1].

Colours and their influence on our perception of the world

Aesthetics aside, we can certainly say that colours have a huge impact on our feelings, mood, and perception of the world. Some will stimulate us to action, while others will calm and soothe us. The colours that surround us have meaning and, interestingly enough, each of us perceives them differently.

Colours and their symbolism

• White – a symbol of purity, sterility, it can be associated with medicine, the white apron of a doctor or nurse.
• Pink – a symbol of love, warmth, friendship, it can be considered very feminine.
• Navy blue – the colour of seriousness, order, is said to be disciplinary in nature, and emphasises authority and education.
• Red – focuses our attention, which is related to the brain’s greater energy demand to process this colour. Red is an activating and alarming colour.
• Blue – denotes peace of mind and harmony, has a soothing effect.
• Green – represents relaxation and tranquillity. This colour gives a sense of security and confidence [2].

Colours of hospital corridors

If we cast our minds back, we would probably all agree that not much attention was paid to the design of hospitals. This applied both to the interiors and to the appearance of the medical staff’s uniforms, which tended to be predominantly white. In those days, hospitals used to be associated with gloomy, dull colours, which did not promote the mental comfort of patients and medical staff. Fortunately, we are now well past this period and modern healthcare facilities are introducing more and more colour into their interiors. This trend is particularly evident in children’s wards and maternity wards.

Łóżko szpitalne z Famed NEXO hospital bed with colourful elements to match the hospital room interior.

Green in operating theatres

Colourful photomurals are increasingly appearing in operating theatres, especially those without windows. And you could say it’s just a simple artwork on the wall, but chosen properly it can help the surgeon in their work. Green and blue and collages of these colours are opposite to the colour red, which surgeons focus their eyes on most of the time. The use of these colours helps to keep the eye sharp and makes the eye more sensitive to different shades of red. The colour revolution in operating theatres began in 1914. It was then that an American surgeon, Dr Sherman, replaced the traditional white gown with a spinach green one. Dr Sherman convinced the hospital authorities to change the design of the operating theatre and the uniforms of the staff working there to green. He claimed that pure white blinded him during surgery and that its juxtaposition with the red colour of blood was too glaring [3].

Pink maternity wards

Another colour that has become a permanent fixture in hospitals is pink, which is most often used in the context of women’s health. It is also reserved for female newborns, who receive a layette with pink elements when they are born. Boys also receive a layette, but it is dominated by the colour blue. Pink is probably the most popular motif found in maternity wards. Pastel pink walls and décor elements, eye-soothing murals, colourful delivery bed inserts or the characteristic purple mattresses are just some of the elements that accompany the patient before, during and after delivery.

Famed FREYA delivery bed with colourful elements in a Polish hospital.

A play of contrasts

The colours of medical equipment have undergone a major metamorphosis, and although white is still the predominant colour in hospital or delivery beds, complementing the design of this equipment with coloured inserts is an added value. The same is true of operating tables, which are distinguished not only by their functionality, but also by their appearance, as evidenced by the use of carbon fibre in their manufacture. And although most of the time the table is covered with drapes and absorbent pads, the colouring of some elements of this equipment does make a difference. A prime example are the black mattresses of operating tables and accessories. Dark mattresses contrast well with the light colours of surgical drapes, making blood or other body fluids more visible during surgery. In addition, black mattresses can help reduce the glares that occur when illuminating the operating theatre.

When safety and reaction speed count

Red in medicine should not only be associated with blood. Using this colour in medical facilities serves as a warning, communicating danger or the urgency of a certain task. The red label on a first-aid bag indicates that it contains medicines or materials that will be useful in an emergency situation. The red safety buttons on medical equipment are supposed to be conspicuous, to speed up reaction time, to give a warning or to make it possible to stop the equipment immediately. They can be found on equipment that emits X-rays or laser beams that are harmful to humans.

Famed NANO hospital bed with CPR lever marked in red.

Red on operating tables

We also use red or orange on the operating tables to mark the buttons or levers that activate the Trendelenburg position, a rescue position in which the patient’s head is below the level of the rest of the body. Red and orange are a lifesaver. The same is true of yellow, especially if one is working with an X-ray machine. It is this colour that is used to mark the radiation area in the operating theatre. Yellow is also used to mark chemicals that require special care when used.

Trendelenburg tilt performed on the Famed PRIME operating table.

Since the dawn of time, humans have been surrounded by colours, but it was only the development of science and technology that allowed us to exploit their full potential. Many people pay little attention to the significance and function of colours, treating them only as an aesthetic element – in practice, they can make life easier and sometimes even save it.