Content uploaded by Chris Isles
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Chris Isles
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
Visual art in hospitals: Case studies and review of the evidence
Abstract and Figures
In 2006 a Department of Health Working Group on Arts and Health reported that the arts have 'a clear contribution to make and offer major opportunities in the delivery of better health, wellbeing and improved experience for patients, service users and staff alike'. In this review we examine the evidence underpinning this statement and evaluate the visual art of three of Scotland's newest hospitals: the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the new Stobhill Hospital, and the new Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow. We conclude that art in hospitals is generally viewed positively by both patients and staff, but that the quality of the evidence is not uniformly high. Effects may be mediated by psychological responses to colour hue, brightness and saturation. Colours that elicit high levels of pleasure with low levels of arousal are most likely to induce a state of calm, while those causing displeasure and high levels of arousal may provoke anxiety. The fact that patients frequently express a preference for landscape and nature scenes is consistent with this observation and with evolutionary psychological theories which predict positive emotional responses to flourishing natural environments. Contrary to a view which may prevail among some contemporary artists, patients who are ill or stressed about their health may not always be comforted by abstract art, preferring the positive distraction and state of calm created by the blues and greens of landscape and nature scenes instead.
Figures - uploaded by Chris Isles
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Chris Isles
Content may be subject to copyright.
... It is recommended to incorporate various types of artwork in hospitals, similar to what has been done at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the newly constructed Stobhill and Victoria Hospitals in Glasgow. These artistic elements can have a positive impact on the individuals involved in the hospital setting, as mentioned in the source material [42]. These elements were evident in 7 photos. ...
... Furthermore, the presence of visual art, depicting realistic nature images in an oncology outpatient waiting area, was positively perceived by both patients and other users of the spaces [44]. Real nature images can cause a decrease in stress, anxiety, and pain perception [42]. ...
... However, two children preferred impressionistic art pieces that included diverse elements (i.e., green areas, palace, and water features). In the literature review, children also liked the inclusion of art connected to nature [11,42]. The quotes below provide a discussion: Figure 15. ...
This study focused on exploring the appropriate types of artwork for the public spaces of children's hospitals in Palestine. The study was carried out in two phases, with the first phase involving the evaluation and analysis of 45 photographs of artwork in two paediatric departments in Nablus City/Palestine. In the second stage, there were nine interactive workshops that incorporated artistic activities and semi-structured interviews with a varied group of individuals, including children, parents, healthcare practitioners, and designers. The study's findings suggest that incorporating nature-themed artwork would be the most appropriate way to regenerate the space for all stakeholders. Water features, culture, sport, music, abstract art, and semi-permanent art were also identified as potential themes, but it seems that nature was the most strongly preferred option. Based on the research conducted, it has been found that utilizing practical design methods can be incredibly advantageous in fostering creativity and gathering ideas and preferences from different stakeholders, including young children. The implementation of such methods can help determine the most suitable types of artwork for the interior architectural design of public spaces in children's hospitals. This study is significant as it helps to bridge the gap in the literature regarding thematic design artwork for public spaces in children's hospitals in Palestine. Moreover, this study provides valuable insights into the preferences of various stakeholders, particularly children. These insights can assist in creating healing environments in healthcare settings that cater to the needs and desires of patients and visitors alike. Overall, this research is essential in the field of healthcare architecture as it helps to create spaces that promote healing and well-being, especially in pediatric settings.
... E.O Wilson's biophilia hypothesis proposes humans are evolutionarily predisposed to seek connections with nature and other living things (17) and increased urbanization and disconnection from the natural world has been hypothesized to contribute to increasing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (18). Bringing art with nature themes, landscapes, and simulated nature into hospital settings has been shown to positively impact patient outcomes including reducing blood pressure, stress, anxiety, and pain (19)(20)(21)(22). Together these studies suggest that a pilot trial of a nature-themed video intervention within psilocybin-assisted therapy for AUD is warranted. ...
Introduction
Psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin has shown promise in Phase 2 trials for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Set and setting, particularly factors facilitating a connection with nature, may positively influence the psychedelic experience and therapeutic outcomes. But to date, randomized controlled trials of interventions to enhance set and setting for psychedelic-assisted therapy are lacking.
Methods
This was a pilot randomized, controlled trial of Visual Healing, a nature-themed video intervention to optimize set and setting, versus Standard set and setting procedures with two open-label psilocybin 25 mg dosing sessions among 20 participants with AUD. For the first session, participants randomized to Visual Healing viewed nature-themed videos during the preparation session and the “ascent” and “descent” phases of the psilocybin dosing session while participants randomized to the Standard condition completed a meditation during the preparatory session and wore eyeshades and listened to a music playlist throughout the dosing session. For the second session 4 weeks later, participants chose either Visual Healing or Standard procedures. Primary outcomes were feasibility, safety, and tolerability of Visual Healing. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were changes in alcohol use, psychedelic effects, anxiety and stress.
Results
Nineteen of 20 (95%) randomized participants (mean age 49 ± 11 years, 60% female) completed the 14-week study. During the first psilocybin session, participants viewed an average of 37.9 min of the 42-min video and there were no video-related adverse events. Peak increase in post-psilocybin blood pressure was significantly less for participants randomly assigned to Visual Healing compared to Standard procedures. Alcohol use decreased significantly in both Visual Healing and Standard groups and psychedelic effects, stress, and anxiety were similar between groups.
Discussion
In this open-label pilot study, viewing Visual Healing videos during preparation and psilocybin dosing sessions was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated among participants with AUD. Preliminary findings suggest that Visual Healing has potential to reduce the cardiovascular risks of psychedelic therapy, without interfering with the psychedelic experience or alcohol-related treatment outcomes. Studies to replicate our findings as well as studies of different set and setting interventions with other psychedelic medications and indications are warranted.
... As seen in a historical perspective, different reactions may be evoked when viewing art. When viewing an abstract painting, it tends to evoke different stress reactions among patients in health care settings, while paintings of natural landscape induce calmness and harmony (Lankston et al., 2010). This may be related to the soothing effect of viewing fractals of a certain dimension, frequently seen E. Bojner Horwitz, D. Thyrén in nature and in some art-styles (Taylor et al., 2011). ...
... При цьому мистецтво -гнучкий, легко пристосований інструмент, заснований на новому розумінні взаємодії твору, матеріалу творчості і середовища, що створює ілюзію альтернативного простору і нову форму отримання інформації Таблиця автора Аналіз існуючого теоретично-практичного матеріалу показав, що сучасні технології пропонують різні підходи до створення комфортних умов проживання та підтримки хорошого рівня психічного здоров'я у простору існування людини. Наприклад, теоретичні методології, засновані на вказівках щодо: 1) використання поліхромних творів мистецтва, які загалом визначаються стилем, а також атмосферою інтер'єрного простору 22,23,24,25,26 ; 2) екологічні та ергономічні аспекти екологічного дизайну 27,28,29,30 ; 3) суттєві зв'язки між середовищем, його функціональним призначенням і фізіологічним комфортом, ефективністю праці, а також підтримкою та створенням психологічної гармонії 31,32,33 ; 4) розробка інноваційних і функціонально-корисних мобільних гаджетів, призначених для підвищення комфорту людини 34,35 . На жаль, теоретична дискусія між дослідниками на тему пошуку балансу між витворами мистецтва та колористичним рішеннями інтер'єрного простору зазвичай не виходить за рамки вже реалізованих проектів і, як наслідок, неможливо визначити інструментальні засоби, якими керувалася ця практична діяльність; таким чином логіка, застосована для досягнення бажаного ефекту, залишається невловною. ...
... While patients often prefer paintings that depict natural scenes for their positive emotional response, some patients may not get the necessary comfort form abstract art. (Lankston, 2010) . ...
Ethical questioning is a framework for considering the ethical implications and practices in research and is used as a tool for thinking about the connections between art and health. It enables researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional dimensions in the field of art and health. In this paper, we propose that ethical questioning, grounded in the principles of ethics of care, can foster a more reflexive and holistic approach to understanding the concept of well-being. We also propose that adopting ethical questioning as a methodology, which requires intentional self-reflection and recognition of positionality, can expose and challenge conventional knowledge hierarchies, resulting in more ethical research outcomes and relationships between researchers and participants. Ultimately, our hypothesis proposes that ethical questioning holds the potential to offer an actionable practice that demonstrates ethics of care.
The healthcare experience is transforming; something new is emerging in the world of medicine—something pressingly important for healing, and beneficial to more than just patients. The integration of arts into healthcare is a diverse, multidisciplinary field that is rapidly expanding and becoming widely accepted as an essential part of healthcare organizations. The programs already in place have proven to be beneficial for the physical and mental health of patients and healthcare providers. Based upon the strong foundation of medicine that currently exists in this country, these innovative programs utilize art to promote health and healing to a population of people undergoing serious changes in their lives. It is a unique and humanistic addition to the continually advancing care already provided. Art in Healthcare is a well-rounded field of study filled with diverse and passionate people motivated to care for others. Its integration has demonstrated success in decreasing patients’ length of stay, improving pain tolerance, alleviating anxiety, decreasing depression, and improving overall well-being. In addition to the patients, its advantages extend to healthcare providers by dramatically increasing workplace satisfaction.KeywordsArtMedical artPaintingsArt in healthcareArts in medicineMedical humanitiesHealth humanitiesHospital artworkPermanent displays of artHealing artsWorkplace satisfaction
This case study provides an overview of ‘Sidestep’, an arts in health project for staff at a specialist child sexual abuse unit in an Irish paediatric hospital, undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the project was to provide a ‘virtual creative space’ to support staff across this period of professional and personal challenge. The project was evaluated using pencil and paper questionnaires, and participant feedback is included here, to illuminate the value of an art-based approach to supporting staff well-being at times of crisis and change. Staff described participation in the project as a unique experience which allowed for connection and a sense of ballast during remote working conditions, as well as providing opportunities for meaning-making and reflection. The article is accompanied by images from the project to illustrate the ways in which participants used the image-making process to explore experiences of the pandemic.
This article explores the characteristics of the colored surface of an Art object as a means of creating a harmonious architectural and spatial environment. The issue of increasing the comfort, efficiency, ergonomics and aesthetics of the design of the architectural environment, which is related to the global problems of humanity, is raised. Since the use of fine art elements in an architectural space should evoke only positive emotions, there is a need to use various types of Art objects in modern design. In our case, it is a competent and harmonious use of the colored surface of the Art object, because the artistic material itself is one of the main factors in fine art, which positively affects the aesthetics of the environment perception. Based on the results of the analysis, the main properties of surface color, which affect the perception of various types of artistic forms of Art objects, are determined and systematized. A structural model of the selection of artistic material during the creation of Art objects, taking into account their properties and characteristics, is proposed. The implementation of research results is shown on the example of author's works. The developed innovative methods of choosing various materials in Art objects are proposed to be used in the process of designing a comfortable and harmonious environment for human existence.
The clinic waiting area in Dumfries received the highest score among nine units offering transplant follow-up (p < 0.001 for differences between units) in the recent Quality Improvement Scotland Renal Transplant Survey.
The purpose of the present study was to determine which aspects of the Dumfries waiting area patients considered important to their outpatient experience.
We posted a questionnaire to all 44 renal transplant patients attending the Dumfries Renal Unit in October 2009 in which we asked patients to rate seven aspects of their clinic environment on a scale from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (very important). These were, in random order, comfy chairs, magazines and puzzle books, paintings on the wall, a 42-inch plasma screen TV, views from the windows, potted plants and computers with Internet access.
Thirty-nine (89%) patients responded. The most highly rated feature of our clinic waiting room was the comfy chairs with an average score of 4.4. This was followed by the magazines and puzzle books (3.6), the plasma screen TV (3.6) and the paintings on the walls (3.4). The views from the windows (3.1), the computer (3.0) and the potted plants (2.9) were less highly rated. Respondents expressed a preference for landscapes/nature scenes (84%) and paintings of animals/birds (84%). Fewer wished to look at abstract paintings (27%) or portraits (24%).
The QIS transplant survey has shown large differences in the quality of the environment of the transplant follow-up clinics in Scotland. Our survey of renal transplant patients attending the Dumfries Renal Unit suggests that the paintings we chose to display in our clinic waiting room contributed positively to their outpatient experience.
This review of the literature on health care environments and patient outcomes considers three research themes: patient involvement with health care (e.g., the role of patient control), the impact of the ambient environment (e.g., sound, light, art), and the emergence of specialized building types for defined populations (e.g., Alzheimer's patients). The article also describes the challenges presented in doing high-quality research focused on health care environments and contrasts the contributions made by two different traditions: architecture and behavioral science. The implications of managed care and opportunities for research are considered.
An arts project was initiated at the newly rebuilt district hospital in the city of Exeter in south west England. This paper describes an independent research evaluation project covering the period from its inception in 1992. The findings include both qualitative and economic aspects and were compared with the authors' wider experience of similar projects. For the first time the responses of clinical staff about the effects of art on the healing process, on therapeutic benefit and on morale are independently assessed. The results provide data and new insights into the interactions of patients, staff and visitors with the arts in the hospital environment. The conclusions offer important guidance for other arts projects and for researchers to develop the methodology in further studies, providing feedback for clinical staff, designers, artists, managers, and policy makers.
• For many hospital patients, the experience brings pain and anxiety. Unfamiliar surroundings, various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the sight and sounds of medical procedures exacerbate pain and anxiety.
• To block off the anxiety‐inducing sights and sounds of hospital surroundings and create a pleasing environment, the therapeutic potential of visual stimulation as a nursing intervention was investigated.
• In a randomized, controlled, cross‐over study, pain was produced by a modified tourniquet technique in 46 healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups (Group V and Group B) with subsequent cross‐over. Those in Group V watched a soundless video display of natural scenery during tourniquet inflation, whereas in Group B subjects watched a static blank screen.
• Pain threshold was defined as the time when subjects reported the first detectable pain, whereas pain tolerance was the time the pain was reported to be intolerable and deflation of the tourniquet was requested.
• With the use of visual stimuli, there was a significant increase in pain threshold ( P < 0.05) and pain tolerance ( P < 0.01). Gender and the sequence of visual stimuli did not have any significant effect on pain threshold and pain tolerance.
• Further studies specifically addressing level of anxiety and physiological data correlated with pain scores and visual stimuli are needed.
• The findings have implications for nurses and other healthcare professionals to use various visual stimuli as positive adjuncts to other methods of pain relief and for different pain conditions in clinical areas.
We conducted this review to organize studies on stressors, stress, and health of rural Canadians. An organizing framework of the pathway from psychosocial stressors (i.e., determinants of health) through perceived stress and physiological impacts to health outcomes was used (1) to situate the rural experience of stress within the individual using the existing reports on community and societal stressors and (2) to synthesize existing research on individual stress for rural residents. The emergent themes from the review indicated that stressors can be grouped as individual factors, relationship characteristics, health, work and education, community, finances, and the environment. We conclude by proposing that research measuring stressors of rural Canadians needs to be undertaken in order to understand the connections between health and stress for this population.
Effects of the four psychological primary colors were assessed by randomly assigning 40 undergraduates (13 male, 27 female) to 4 treatment groups, with each group receiving either red, yellow, green, or blue illumination. Anxiety state was assessed at 5-min. intervals using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The red and yellow groups had significantly higher A-state scores than the blue and green groups, and these values did not change significantly during the 15-min. testing session.
-Judges selected from ISCC-NBS patches those colors which were most representative of red, yellow, green, and blue. These colors were presented for 1 min. each with GSR, heart rate, and respiration being recorded. There was a significant color effect on GSR but not on the other measures. Red was significantly more arousing than blue or yellow and green more than blue. Early research on the psychological aspects of color was concerned with such subjective aspects as individual color preferences. Guilford ( 1931) found hue to be the most important factor in color preference. Hevner ( 1935) found that college students described various colors in emotional terms with red usually described as happy or exciting and blue described as serene or dignified. In an experimental study of the effect of red and green surroundings on psychomotor tasks and judgment the results were inconclusive (Nakshian, 1964). Another approach to color effect is to investigate the differential effect on GSR, heart rate, respiration, and other autonomic nervous system functions. Wilson ( 1966) found red significantly more arousing than green (GSR) . This finding was consistent with subjective reports following the experimental session. Red was variously described as more stimulating, awakening, and attentiondrawing. Nourse and Welch ( 1971) studied the GSR as a function of violet and green illumination and found a significant difference for the first trial but this difference did not appear in the later trials. A spectral analysis of the violet used showed the spectral components were a 455 mm. (blue) and 677 mm. (red). So these results may only confirm the Wilson (1966) finding of red be:ng more arousing than green. Gerard (1958) reported that the autonomic nervous system and the visual cortex were significantly less aroused during blue than during red or white illumination. Red, blue, and white lights were projected on a screen, and the results indicated a significant color effect on GSR, respiration rate, frequency of eye blink, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and EEG measures. A wide variety of colors have been used in previous studies. Gerard ( 1958) made an arbitrary selection of colors and earlier researchers used colors specified in the Munsell notation but when these color patches are examined it can be seen that they are neither virid or strong colors. This study used colors which were selected by judges as being red, blue, green, and yellow rather than using a 'Reprint requests should be addressed to: K. W. Jacobs, Sourhern Station Box 5238, University of Southern Mississippi, Hartiesburg, Mississippi 39401.