How Art Can Be Used For Medical Advocacy And For Improving Health Outcomes

Throughout human history, from the earliest societies to the present times, art has been a significant communication tool. Art offers an alternative and a non-threatening medium to express one’s feelings; especially when words can't adequately and effectively convey meanings in certain populations such as kids and lower literacy level groups.

The use of art in health advocacy can raise awareness of health issues and promote positive health behaviours, creating a more engaged and informed public.

Performing art in health advocacy has widespread prevalence. In India, we’ve seen musical and poetic health narratives on Doordarshan in the 80s and the 90s. At large gatherings such as “mandis”, “haats” and “melas” across India, the sight of puppet shows to communicate social and health messages is common even today. In recent times, scientists have established a direct effect of art on health and well-being. In fact, the WHO European region office reviewed over 3000 studies that identified a major role for the arts in the promotion of health, prevention of ill health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan.

Art, emotional health and chronic conditions

Art can have a positive impact on ">mental health. Several studies have shown that creating art can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that involves creating art, has been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions. However, the benefits of art therapy aren’t limited to emotional health alone; art therapy can have a positive impact on one’s physical health and drive a positive behavioural change.

According to a meta-analysis article published in Frontiers of Psychology journal, art can greatly affect patients with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing symptoms related to depression, which in turn can help to improve compliance towards diet and medical therapy.

Art therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in managing chronic pain. Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition, affecting not only physical health but also mental health and quality of life. Studies have shown that art therapy can reduce pain levels and improve mood in individuals with chronic pain.

Art and women’s health

In India, where women are often the primary caregivers in their families, they are at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These conditions can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and depression, which can further exacerbate their symptoms. Art therapy can be an effective tool for managing these conditions.

The act of creating art can reduce stress and anxiety, and the social aspect of art therapy can provide a supportive environment for women to share their experiences and emotions.

From a scientific standpoint, engaging in artistic activities such as painting, drawing, or sculpting can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These activities require focus and concentration, which can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Further, several studies on women with breast cancer have revealed that art therapy interventions have served as a robust therapeutic and psycho-educative tool for enhancing self-image perception and reducing post-treatment psychophysical distress, even after a period of five years of limited-duration art therapy interventions.

The emerging trend of using art in hospitals

In recent years, in hospitals across the globe, there is a rising trend of incorporating art into patient care. The aim of doing so is to improve patient outcomes and enhance the healing environment. The use of art in hospitals at the bedside has been shown to have a positive impact on patient healing. Patients who are exposed to art have reported feeling less pain, and studies have shown that viewing art can lower heart rate and blood pressure.

For patients with chronic illnesses, John Hopkins Hospital has incorporated art therapy as a form of complementary therapy to their continuing medical treatment. They have incorporated artistic pursuits like painting, sculpture, dance, music, etc. Patients receive assistance in letting go of any frustration, irritability, or rage after engaging in any form of art therapy. Burn victims, cancer patients, cerebral palsy patients, and people with other brain disorders and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's can all feel more at ease and express their feelings through music therapy.

Connection Between Art and Healing

Even in our country, art therapy is emerging as a supporting therapy in the form of "Khula Asmaan," an initiative at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and Indian Red Cross Hospital, Pune, for paediatric oncology patients and thalassemia patients. This initiative displays artwork, giving kids an opportunity to create their thoughts through painting in the OPD centre while they wait for their appointments with paediatric oncologists and during blood transfusions. Watching this program could prove to be a very motivating and educational experience for kids and adults alike, serving as art therapy in paediatric hospitals and clinics.

Art in hospitals can also help to create a more pleasant and welcoming environment for patients, reducing the sense of clinical sterility that can be present in healthcare facilities. By providing a visual stimulus beyond the medical equipment and sterile walls, patients can escape momentarily and focus on something more pleasant, which has been shown to have positive mental and emotional effects.

In conclusion

Art therapy can be a valuable tool for individuals with chronic illnesses to improve their emotional and physical well-being and manage their symptoms. However, it is important to note that art therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, but rather as a complementary therapy to support overall health and well-being.

The article is the outcome of my experience as a PhD in social sciences and as a co-founder of Zandra Healthcare. 

Suggested reading: Art And Well Being: Towards A Culture Of Healthy Life