The meaning of art in palliative care from the end users' perspective

BACKGROUND: Research concerning art initiatives within palliative care mainly addresses the artist's perspective. Our study brings in the end users' voices.

METHOD: We conducted ethnographic research in the framework of a program that invited professional artists to work at a Belgian palliative and supportive day care center. We examined how the so-called guests (i.e. end users) valued and experienced the artists' presence and activities.

RESULTS: Guests mentioned a positive influence on their personal and social well-being. They also indicated a cultural and artistic value. Art activities offered them something new and unexpected and took them to a different place. Guests felt challenged by activities when their well-being was negatively provoked, when they experienced activities as incomprehensible or in case of logistic hassle.

CONCLUSIONS: Art activities in palliative care settings must be adapted to the interests and abilities of the end users and supported by an educational and logistic framework.

Publication year:2021

Keywords:Arts & health, socially engaged arts, palliative and supportive care, ethnographic research, qualitative analysis

BOF-keylabel:yes

IOF-keylabel:yes

BOF-publication weight:0.5

Authors:Regional

Authors from:Higher Education

Accessibility:Open