Therapeutic Effects: The Integration of Creative Arts Therapy in Palliative Care

Abstract

The University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) implemented a Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) program offering CAT to hospitalized patients as a component of comprehensive palliative care (PC) services. The objective of this pilot program evaluation study was to evaluate short-term effects of CAT on patient symptoms and patient/family perceptions regarding their experience. The sample included adult patients hospitalized in an academic medical center who were seen by the Palliative Care Consult Service (PCCS) between October 1, 2016, and June 1, 2017. The program evaluation consisted of quantitative and qualitative components, including a self-report of symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and semi-structured patient and family member interviews. During the study period, there were 366 total CAT patient encounters. Twelve patients completed pre/post-CAT session ESAS. Symptom scores showed a trend in improvement pre- to post-intervention on a 0-10 scale for pain (4.8 to 4.3; p=0.41); depression (2.17 to 1.42; p=0.25); anxiety (2.7 to 2.4; p=0.70); appetite (4.92 to 4.09; p0.41); and well-being (5.8 to 4.8; p=0.38). Forty patients and family members completed semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis revealed the overarching theme of improved quality of life through emotionally therapeutic effects, with sub-themes of non-medical relationships, distraction, family engagement, and personalized care. This pilot PC-CAT program evaluation supports the need for further studies to confirm the association with positive trends in patient-reported pain, depression, anxiety, appetite, and well-being. The evaluation also provides qualitative themes of improved quality of life for patients and family members through emotionally therapeutic effects.