Abstract
BackgroundEvidence-based art is the investigation of art effects and art investigated for effects. In this study the evidence regarding patient preferences for art styles and effects of art in nonpsychiatric hospitals and outpatient departments was reviewed.MethodsResults from original articles were retrieved by a scoping PubMed search and by browsing the internet using the terms “evidence based art”, “evidence based design”, “art and hospital” and “design and hospital”, “art effect”, “design effect”, “landscape preference” and “abstract art figurative art”. The quality of art was not operationalized as a criterion.ResultsOf the articles 7 original sources showed patient preference for natural scenes and figurative art, 2 studies showed no preference, 16 studies showed positive art effects on well-being and behavior and 5 studies showed a positive effect of nature pictures on measurable findings.ConclusionControversial results together with theoretical aspects suggest natural scenes in patient rooms and diverse art in public areas.
Highlights
Quick worldwide dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 leads to an increasing number of isolated and lonely patients and a part of them dies in this situation
A survey in Utah revealed that art in patient rooms was more important for patients than hospital architecture, surrounding, social facilities or parking space [1]; usually not patients, but clinic staff, artists or art committees decide what kind of art is placed in patient rooms
Some early studies resulted in positive effects on well-being, length of hospital stay, stress, pain and analgetic consumption, so-called minor complications, depressions, anxiety and mood [7]. Aim of this scoping review is to summarize the results of original studies regarding art preferences and effects of art in nonpsychiatric hospitals and to derive recommendations for practice considering theoretical aspects and experiences of hospital design. Literature search for this scoping review was based on a guideline to Evidence-based art (EBA) by Hathorn and Nanda and performed by a scoping search in PubMed and an internet search using the key words “Evidence Based Art”, “Evidence Based Design”, “art and hospital”, “design and hospital”, “art effect”, “design effect”, “landscape preference” and “abstract art figurative art” [8]
Summary
Quick worldwide dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) leads to an increasing number of isolated and lonely patients and a part of them dies in this situation. Isolation due to any disease in a boring surrounding exposes vulnerable subjects to psychological stress and pathological symptoms. From a sociological point of view this may fail to meet patient’s needs, because patients with different social backgrounds may have problems to understand the artwork in a way that was intended by those who decide about art in hospitals [2, 3]. The research topic “Evidence-based art (EBA)” as a part of the topic “Evidence-based design” aims at the objective measurement of effects of art on wellbeing and pathological symptoms [4, 5]. The EBA should provide empirically founded recommendations, how art can be used in hospitals with benefit for patients [6]. Some early studies resulted in positive effects on well-being, length of hospital stay, stress, pain and analgetic consumption, so-called minor complications, depressions, anxiety and mood [7]
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