Enhancing Cancer Patient Well-Being With a Nonpharmacological, Heritage-Focused Intervention

Linda J Thomson,Erica E Ander,Usha Menon,Anne Lanceley,Helen J Chatterjee

doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.10.026

Linda J Thomson, Erica E Ander + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.10.026

Copy DOI

Abstract

ContextNonpharmacological, arts-focused interventions in health care have demonstrated considerable improvements in cancer patient well-being, although there is a little clinically robust, empirical evidence to demonstrate the value of heritage-focused practices. ObjectivesThis study examined the effectiveness of a novel, nonpharmacological, heritage-focused intervention with adult female inpatients receiving cancer treatment in oncology wards of a large, central London hospital. MethodsIn the tactile experimental condition, participants handled and discussed a selection of museum objects with a facilitator, whereas in the visual control condition, participants discussed photographs of the same objects. Sessions were conducted on a one-to-one basis at patients' bedsides and lasted about half an hour. Quantitative measures of psychological well-being with proven reliability and validity were used in a pretest/post-test control group, quasi-experimental design. ResultsLevels of positive emotion, well-being, and happiness were significantly enhanced in the experimental condition compared with the control condition for both oncology and nononcology patients. ConclusionFindings indicate a future role for heritage-focused practices in enhancing health care environments.

Highlights

IntroductionNumerous examples of good practice exist, an intrinsic difficulty in evaluating nonpharmacological, arts-focused interventions (including visual arts, music, and dance) has been the lack of robust empirical evidence
Numerous examples of good practice exist, an intrinsic difficulty in evaluating nonpharmacological, arts-focused interventions has been the lack of robust empirical evidence
Well-being, and happiness were significantly enhanced in the experimental condition compared with the control condition for both oncology and nononcology patients

Summary

Introduction

Numerous examples of good practice exist, an intrinsic difficulty in evaluating nonpharmacological, arts-focused interventions (including visual arts, music, and dance) has been the lack of robust empirical evidence. A review of arts-focused interventions in health care found various therapeutic and medical. Recent published examples include the following: The Museum of Modern Art, New York ‘‘Meet Me’’ project found improved interaction and happiness for adults with dementia after viewing paintings and participating in discussions about the artwork.. The Open Museum, Glasgow showed that creative activities gave participants a means of self-expression effective in countering mental health issues and enabling new skills.. The Oxford Institute of Aging and Dulwich Picture Gallery’s ‘‘Good Times’’ program for adults with dementia indicated an impact of visual and audio arts on well-being.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion