Pain management
have reduced mobility in their legs can remain seated and use their arms to lead in movement. The key is developing a range of art options for patients so they can focus on which form best supports their pain management.
The role of the artist Creative art as a component of pain management does require guidance. As patients who are suffering with a chronic pain condition often feel isolated and need support for social connection, appropriate facilitation of participative sessions is essential. For many patients, joining in an art workshop could be the first time they’ve left their house other than going to hospital appointments. They’ll likely be feeling nervous about meeting new people and getting involved in an art form they may have no experience with. The artists running the workshops need to
have the qualities of a teacher and the ability to communicate and work with people with different abilities. This includes providing alternative approaches and different tools for patient needs, and they also need to be able to include everyone in the group. Emphasis for participants should not be about artistic competence, but on enjoying and exploring art materials in a supportive environment.
The Department of Health stated, back in 2007, that art should be integral to healthcare to support health and wellbeing. Several studies show that participating in creative art not only has an impact on overall wellbeing, but also contributes to pain management.
Removing the barriers to integrating art into healthcare systems There are two key barriers preventing art to be fully embedded in healthcare as a readily available option for pain management. Firstly, funding. Running art workshops does cost money, for tools, spaces and staffing. In a time where funding is a constant discussion point for the NHS, this is undoubtedly a challenge. Charitable giving is one suitable option, but for long term integration into healthcare systems, there is still further work to be done here. Secondly, engagement presents a challenge.
Engagement from staff is required in coordinating projects where art can be brought in to healthcare environments (the physical space through displaying art) or in setting up
activities and workshops whereby patients can engage with art. This means awareness of art as a solution is needed, alongside support from staff. Patient engagement is also a challenge. As explained earlier, many chronic pain patients feel isolated and struggle to engage in social situations. For some, they may be housebound so logistically making it to a session is difficult. And then there’s the added challenge that men are less likely to engage with art than women as well as people who identify as white are more likely than those from a BAME or minority background to engage in art.5 It’s essential that to ensure equity in
leveraging the creative arts in pain management that further work is done to engage these groups to ensure they do not fall through the cracks. For example, providing a range of options so all genders feel comfortable participating and leveraging the wider community to involve all groups, especially those who are marginalised or from minority backgrounds. This is why art needs to be seen from
a system perspective – bringing together everyone from GPs and community healthcare through to pharmacy and hospital staff in solving this challenge. Support in referrals is one such critical component, ensuring GPs have access to a wide range of resources on available projects patients can participate in. Education is also essential, ensuring staff in a system network understand the benefits art can have as a specific tool for pain management as well as the different modes in which it can be effectively ‘prescribed’.
The positive impact the arts can have on staff wellbeing As healthcare providers, for us to be able to deliver a great patient experience, it’s essential our staff wellbeing is factored in.6
Staff that feel
Carol, a Royal Orthopaedic Hospital patient, joins in the abstract art challenge during an Art for Health workshop
valued, listened to and supported are in a better position to provide a positive experience for patients. And at the end of the day, patient care is our main priority. The benefits patients can gain from engaging in art extend to staff as well. Staff who engage
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