As evidenced in clinical research studies internationally, the use of arts within a healthcare setting or community can assist in healing the spirit and mind of an ill patient, a person suffering from violence or trauma, or someone living under prolonged stress.
When a patient is hospitalized for a period of time can become their illness, becoming institutionalized, and find it a struggle to recall their world outside the ordered austere ward. Recent medical research, however offers some light to this darkness. Clinical research, carried out at several hospitals internationally, provides evidence that there are benefits to integrating the arts within a medical environment.
For instance, renal dialysis patients undergoing treatment suffer from boredom and often focus on the physically invasive process of dialysis. Sitting or lying for a period of two to four hours, two to three times a week, can exacerbate these feelings of illness. Distraction from the tedium of the treatment and interaction with an artist increases the patients sense of well being and engages them in an art process that culminates in works of art that become a part of the cultural heritage of the community. Their treatment time is transformed into an art class.
As evidenced in clinical research studies internationally, the use of arts within a healthcare setting or community can assist in healing the spirit and mind of an ill patient, a person suffering from violence or trauma, or someone living under prolonged stress.
When a patient is hospitalized for a period of time can become their illness, becoming institutionalized, and find it a struggle to recall their world outside the ordered austere ward. Recent medical research, however offers some light to this darkness. Clinical research, carried out at several hospitals internationally, provides evidence that there are benefits to integrating the arts within a medical environment.
For instance, renal dialysis patients undergoing treatment suffer from boredom and often focus on the physically invasive process of dialysis. Sitting or lying for a period of two to four hours, two to three times a week, can exacerbate these feelings of illness. Distraction from the tedium of the treatment and interaction with an artist increases the patients sense of well being and engages them in an art process that culminates in works of art that become a part of the cultural heritage of the community. Their treatment time is transformed into an art class.
ARTery - on the move
A mobile art trolley is a great way of moving through the units and engaging with patients both at the bedside and in more common areas. Offering a range of art materials allows patients to have choice and make decisions - a rare opportunity in an acute hospital setting.
Taking direction
As some patients are not able to use their own hands, we bring in artists to work alongside a patient at the bedside. The artist becomes the hand of the patient, taking specific direction on the creation of an artwork. This co-creation is important to reducing isolation and increasing the patient's sense of self worth.
Group Programming in Acute Hospitals
Creating a failure free environment is vital when working with hospitalized patients. Group programs on the unit offer an opportunity for engagement and successes.
Successes
Connecting with patients on a personal level allows them to challenge their own abilities and be something other than their illness. This patient worked for 6 weeks during his dialysis to create a portrait - could it be Donald Trump?