Arthedata: Datenbank für Kunsttherapie

Arthedata is a database of art therapy-specific literature that has been created since March 2008 in cooperation between the University of Art Therapy Nürtingen, the University of Applied Sciences Ottersberg and the University of Witten/Herdecke. The arthedata database contains: Monographs, Catalogs, essays, abstracts and magazine articles. Arthedata offers increasingly complete access to (initially) German-language publications on art therapy. The continuous, quality-assured addition of new publications to the inventory ensures that the information is always up to date. It is possible to search for literature in specific collection areas (such as fields of application, methods, research studies) by topic, author/person, keywords and key words. In addition, the integrated topic map as well as information on a more refined search (e.g. by media type or year) provide targeted suggestions for further systematic literature research.

The effectiveness of expressive art therapy on infertile women undergoing surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Infertility produces infertility-related stress in both members of infertile couples, especially for infertile women. Some studies verified the negative relationship between infertility-related stress and outcomes of infertility treatments. Effective mental health care during fertility treatment is urgently needed, but there has been a lack of efficient support services. To reduce the infertility-related stress of infertile women, expressive art therapeutic schemes will be organized and implemented by certified international expressive art therapists. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants in the intervention group will receive expressive art therapies after the baseline investigation. Expressive art therapies will be led by the certified international expressive art therapist. The interventions include progressive muscle relaxation training, music meditation and drawing therapy. Participants in the control group will receive routine care. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) will be used to investigate the anxiety, depression, and infertility-related stress of all participants at admission and at discharge. DISCUSSION: This study will verify the effectiveness and efficiency of expressive art therapies for infertile women. The results will provide new knowledge on mental health care strategies for infertile women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300070618. Registered 14 April 2023.

The effect of mandala coloring and free coloring on the happiness in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder in the Covid-19 pandemic: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to complications such as depression and grief, which are more prevalent in veterans than in the general population. Recently, art-making, including mandala coloring, has gained attention as a potential treatment for PTSD patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 male veterans diagnosed with PTSD and hospitalized at the Milad Psychiatric Center in Tehran, Iran. The patients were recruited using a convenience sampling method and were assigned to either the mandala coloring group or the free coloring group. The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist DSM-5 and the Oxford Happiness Scale were used to collect data. The intervention group colored mandala designs, while the control group colored squares freely. Coloring was done twice a week for three weeks. RESULTS: The mean baseline happiness scores did not differ significantly between mandala coloring group and free coloring group (p = 0.376). However, at the end of study, happiness scores were significantly higher in mandala coloring group than in free coloring group (p < 0.001). After the intervention, happiness score of both groups increased significantly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both coloring methods increased veterans' happiness scores; however, mandala coloring was more effective than free coloring. It is recommended that art-making be added to conventional treatments for veterans with PTSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in Iranian Registry of clinical trials (No. IRCT20210604051491N1, 29/08/2021).

Group arts therapies for patients with schizophrenia: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia, a chronic mental problem, significantly impacts cognition, emotion and social functioning. Conventional pharmacotherapy faces challenges including numerous side effects, low adherence to medication and substantial costs. In this context, group arts therapies (GATs) emerge as a promising complementary approach for symptom alleviation in schizophrenia patients. Nonetheless, the effectiveness and safety of GATs are yet to be firmly established. This study aims to systematically assess the therapeutic impact of all group-based artistic interventions as complementary treatments for schizophrenia, focusing on their potential benefits. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will search four English-language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase), two Chinese databases (Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and three Korean databases (RISS, Korean Citation Index and DBpia) from their inception until October 2023. It will include all randomised controlled trials that compare GATs for schizophrenia with standard rehabilitation methods. The primary outcome is the improvement in patients' positive and negative symptoms. Methodologies such as bias risk assessment, data synthesis, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis will be implemented using Review Manager V.5.4. Study results with high heterogeneity will be merged using a random-effects model (I 2>50% or p<0.1). In cases where meta-analysis is not viable due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity, a qualitative summary of the findings will be provided. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The data used in this systematic review are anonymised, devoid of any private information, eliminating the requirement for ethical approval. Dissemination of the research findings will be conducted via peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023471583.

The Effects of Art Therapy and Psychosocial Skills Training on Symptoms and Social Functioning in Patients with Schizophrenia and Their Relatives. / Sizofreni Hasta ve Yakinlariyla Yapilan Sanatla Terapi ve Ruhsal Toplumsal Beceri Egitiminin Hastalik Belirtileri ve Sosyal Islevsellik Üzerine Etkileri.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of antipsychotics on negative symptoms are limited. The most appropriate approach in the treatment of schizophrenia is the integration of drug therapy with psychological and social interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of art therapy and psychosocial skills training (PSST) in the treatment of schizophrenia. METHODS: A total of 15 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the criteria in DSM-5 and 12 patient relatives were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, 7 were included in the art therapy program and 8 were included in the PSST program for schizophrenia. 90-minute sessions of art therapy and PSST were carried out once a week for 17 weeks. Participants with schizophrenia were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and the relatives were given Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Zarit Burden Interview. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the PANSS negative symptoms, PANSS general psychopathology, SFS pro-social activities and SFS recreation scores in both groups, while the SFS social withdrawal scores decreased significantly only in the art therapy group. In the PANSS negative symptoms subscale, passive social withdrawal, difficulty in abstract thinking, lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation and stereotyped thinking scores were significantly lower in the art therapy group. In the PSST group only the score for difficulty in abstract thinking declined significantly. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that art therapy and PSST have positive effects on the improvement of negative symptoms as well as improvements in social and cognitive functionality in schizophrenia.

Evidence about art-based interventions for Indigenous people: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Indigenous people experience a unique set of health inequalities and social determinants that can negatively affect their physical health, mental health and wellness. This critical state of affairs is compounded by the limited availability of culturally appropriate care services and treatments for the different groups. In response, increasing numbers of studies are turning their focus to art-based interventions and how these might benefit Indigenous lives. The proposed scoping review aims to map this growing field of research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This scoping review is based on the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and the subsequent enhancements proposed by Levac et al. Academic databases and grey literature sources will be searched to identify appropriate studies for inclusion. The search strategies of all databases were tested on 25 April 2024. This will be followed by a two-step screening process to be conducted by two researchers and consisting of (1) a title and abstract review and (2) a full-text review. Data from the selected studies will be extracted, collated and charted to summarise all relevant interventions, their outcomes and key findings. An Indigenous research partner will be hired as a consultant, and the research will be further informed by other stakeholders. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is the first step in a research programme involving working with Indigenous artists to codesign a pilot art-based intervention aimed at improving mental health and wellness among Indigenous people. The scoping review will identify the specific components in documented art-based interventions that have proven beneficial to this group. Since it will draw exclusively on data from published and public sources, no ethics approval is required. The results will be disseminated through knowledge translation activities with Indigenous organisations and art therapy groups; a summary of the results will also be distributed through Indigenous networks.

Does Mandala Art Therapy Improve Psychological Well-Being of Gynecological Cancer Patients During the Perioperative Period? A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Women with gynecological cancer often experience psychological distress, particularly in response to surgical procedures. The impact of mandala art therapy (MAT) during the perioperative period for gynecological cancer patients remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the effects of the MAT program in women with gynecological cancer. METHODS: Employing a quasi-experimental design, we recruited 126 gynecological cancer patients from a university hospital through convenience sampling. Participants were assigned to either receive the MAT program or standard perioperative care. The interventions comprised a three-session MAT program guided by a team of trained mandala psychologists. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to analyze the effects of MAT over time. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were enrolled, and 118 completed the entire study. Over 90% of participants completed the perioperative MAT interventions, reporting relatively high satisfaction with the program (7.70 out of 10). Individuals in the MAT group exhibited improved therapeutic effects on STAI-S, VASS, and vital signs over time. Notably, significant group*time interaction effects were noted in STAI-S scores at both the first evaluation, T1 (ß = -4.220, P < .005) and the third evaluation, T3 (ß = -3.797, P < .05), and VASS scores at T1 (ß = -11.186, P < .005), T2 (ß = -9.915, P < .05) and T3 (ß = -9.831, P < .05). Regarding vital signs, the multivariate GEE model revealed significant interaction effects in systolic blood pressure values at both T1 (ß = -7.102, P < .05) and T3 (ß = -10.051, P < .005), diastolic blood pressure values at T3 (ß = -6.441, P < .005), and pulse values at T1 (ß = -6.085, P < .005). No significant differences were observed between groups for pain, hope, or self-acceptance. CONCLUSION: This study posited that MAT could serve as a valuable complementary approach in perioperative care for addressing the psychological needs of women with gynecological cancer. Subsequent research employing more robust methodologies and larger, more diverse participant samples will be necessary to validate these conclusions.

The effects of art therapy interventions on anxiety in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of art therapy on anxiety among children and adolescents. METHODS: We searched several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (via Ovid), PsychINFO (through EBSCO), and The Cochrane Library, comprising the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Additionally, Chinese databases such as CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wan Fang Data were explored from their beginnings until October 22, 2023. Studies that investigated the impact of art therapy on anxiety compared to a control group were included. The methodological quality of these randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook's risk of bias instrument. RESULTS: Six studies involving 422 participants were included. The findings indicated a notable decrease in anxiety symptoms due to art therapy, with a Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of -1.42, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI -2.33, -0.51), p < 0.002. Notably, there was pronounced heterogeneity, as evidenced by Tau2 = 1.41, Chi2 = 101.19, df = 6, and I² = 94%, with Z = 3.06. CONCLUSION: Art therapy significantly improved the anxiety symptoms of children and adolescents, positioning it as an effective means of treating anxiety.

Effectiveness of creative arts therapy for adult patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of creative arts therapy (CAT) interventions on the health outcomes of adult patients with cancer. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in six databases from their inception to June 10, 2023, with no restrictions on sex, age, cancer type, cancer stage, or treatment type. The Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2) tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the equivalent tool for non-RCTs (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted to pool estimates of the effects of CAT on patients' health-related outcomes. A narrative synthesis of outcomes was performed where meta-analysis was not appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies (8 RCTs and 17 quasi-RCTs) involving 1489 cancer patients and survivors were included in the final data analysis. Most studies focused on patients with mixed cancer diagnoses who were undergoing active chemotherapy treatment. Most studies utilized painting, drawing, and/or sculpting as CAT interventions. The overall risk of bias in the included studies was moderate to high. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life (SMD with 95% CI = 17.50, 10.05-24.95, P =.0000) and the social aspect of quality of life in cancer patients (SMD with 95% CI = 03.1 (0.06-0.55), P = .01), but no significant effects were found for depressive symptoms and coping strategies among patients who participated in CAT compared to control groups. Narrative analysis and non-RCTs suggested the potential of CAT in reducing levels of depression and anxiety, as well as improving self-image, hope, emotional expression/state, and processing in patients with cancer. However, inconsistent findings were reported regarding the effectiveness of CAT interventions on fatigue, spirituality, and psychosomatic distress/symptom intensity. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated significant and potential benefits of CAT for individuals with cancer, primarily related to quality of life. However, caution is needed in interpreting these findings due to limitations in the methodologies utilized in the included studies. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to examine the effectiveness of CAT on health outcomes, particularly in relation to self-image, hope, and emotional expression/state and processing among patients with cancer or those in palliative care.

Re-engaging with arts and cultural activities at the Life Rooms: 'It's given me spring'.

BACKGROUND: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust's Life Rooms initiative is an established and successful model of integrating arts and culture within NHS provision. In the face of COVID-19, the Life Rooms was restructured to provide a full suite of online resources. Following the lifting of restrictions, in-person arts provision returned to the Life Rooms sites. Additional evidence in respect of the impact on mental health and wellbeing of the return to in-person arts and cultural activities provided by the Life Rooms, as well as the relative merits of online and in-person arts and cultural activities, is needed to inform future planning around in-person, online, and/or hybrid provision. METHODS: Interviews with practitioners delivering cultural and creative courses at the Life Rooms (n = 8) and users of the Life Rooms (n = 5) were conducted to explore the impact of the return to in-person arts provision at the Life Rooms, as well as the merits of online and in-person arts provision. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were identified: 'Provision, access, and reach'; 'Value of arts and creativity'; and 'Challenges with the Life Rooms model in the new normal'. The findings demonstrate the critical role of arts and cultural provision in providing stigma-free environments to reconnect the vulnerable and isolated. As re-engagement remained slow, there is a need to be responsive to hesitation around re-engaging in-person. The Life Rooms online learning offer remained vital for those who are vulnerable or otherwise unable to access in-person activities. CONCLUSIONS: As our findings show a demand for maintaining online provision that enables accessibility together with in-person provision that boosts community connectedness, ensuring continued online access alongside in-person delivery should be prioritised. As mental health demands could continue to grow in coming years as the pandemic evolves, in-person arts engagement could have an important role in meeting mental health needs.

ArtSpective™ for Perinatal Substance Use: Feasibility of an Arts-Based Intervention Addressing Stigma.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this proof-of-concept pilot study was to test the initial feasibility and limited efficacy of ArtSpective™ for perinatal substance use (PSU), a novel, arts-based intervention designed to decrease stigmatizing attitudes toward PSU. METHODS: Using a pre-post mixed methods quasi-experimental design, ArtSpective™ for PSU was pilot tested for proof of concept among a convenience sample of 11 undergraduate and graduate students with experience in maternal-infant nursing from a Midwestern U.S. nursing school. As a proof-of-concept pilot study, we evaluated feasibility (acceptability, demand, and implementation) and limited efficacy. Participants completed presurveys and postsurveys that included satisfaction items, demographic items, and an adapted version of the Attitudes About Drug Use in Pregnancy Scale and participated in a focus group. Focus group data were analyzed using constant comparative methods, and survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: Participants reported high demand and satisfaction with the intervention and provided recommendations to improve scalability. ArtSpective™ demonstrated significant improvement in stigma toward PSU (pre vs. post: p = .003; d = .633). CONCLUSION: ArtSpective™ for PSU demonstrated initial feasibility and limited efficacy for improving nurse attitudes toward PSU. Efforts are needed to further test this novel intervention, adapt it to augment existing educational interventions, and improve its scalability.

Slow art plus: developing and piloting a single session art gallery-based intervention for mental health promotion via a mixed method waitlist randomized control trial.

Introduction: The current study builds on the expertise of National Gallery Singapore and Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) in developing and piloting an enhanced version of the Slow Art program, namely "Slow Art Plus" for mental health promotion. Methods: A single-site, open-label, waitlist Randomized Control Trial (RCT) design comprising of a treatment group and waitlist control group was adopted (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05803226). Participants (N = 196) completed three online questionnaires at three timepoints: baseline [T1], immediately post-intervention/s baseline [T2], post-intervention follow-up/immediately post-intervention [T3]. Qualitative focus groups were conducted to evaluate program acceptability. Results: A mixed model ANOVA was performed to understand intervention effectiveness between the immediate intervention group and waitlist control group. The analyses revealed a significant interaction effect where intervention group participants reported an improvement in spiritual well-being (p = 0.001), describing their thoughts and experiences (p = 0.02), and nonreacting to inner experiences (p = 0.01) immediately after Slow Art Plus as compared to the control group. Additionally, one-way repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted for the intervention group to evaluate maintenance effects of the intervention. The analyses indicated significant improvements in perceived stress (p < 0.001), mindfulness (p < 0.001) as well as multiple mindfulness subscales, active engagement with the world (p = 0.003), and self-compassion (p = 0.02) 1 day after the completion of Slow Art Plus. Results from framework analysis of focus group data revealed a total of two themes (1: Experiences of Slow Art Plus, 2: Insights to Effective Implementation) and six subthemes (1a: Peaceful relaxation, 1b: Self-Compassion, 1c: Widened Perspective, 2a: Valuable Components, 2b: Execution Requisites, 2c: Suggested Enhancements), providing valuable insights to the overall experience and implementation of the intervention. Discussion: Slow Art Plus represents a unique approach, offering a standardized, multimodal, single-session program that integrates mindfulness and self-compassion practices, as well as reflective and creative expressions with Southeast Asian art. It demonstrates potential in meeting the mental health needs of a wide range of individuals and could be readily incorporated into social prescribing initiatives for diverse populations.

Knowledge and use of art therapy for mental health treatment among clinical psychologists.

BACKGROUND: Art therapy allows people to express feelings about any subject through creative work. It is beneficial for people who feel out of touch with their emotions. In Ghana, little is known about art therapy as a therapeutic tool. Herbal treatment, biomedical and faith healing practices are the most common treatment options for mental health. This research aimed to provide new insights into clinical psychologists on their knowledge and use of art therapy in treating clients and identified the enablers and barriers in this therapeutic intervention. METHOD: Twenty-one clinical psychologists were sampled using the snowball sampling method. They were interviewed over the phone using a semi-structured interview guide which was developed based on the predefined study objectives. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data resulting in three central thematic areas. RESULTS: Twelve of the clinical psychologists were females and eight were male, with an age range between twenty-five to fifty years. The major themes identified were knowledge of art therapy, the use of art therapy and enablers and barriers in using art therapy. The study revealed that clinical psychologists had limited knowledge of art therapy mainly due to lack of training. With the use of art therapy, the participants revealed that they had used some form of art therapy before and they perceived art therapy to be effective on their clients however, they demonstrated low confidence in using it. Practitioner training and the availability of art therapy-related resources were identified as both facilitators and hindrances to the use of art therapy. CONCLUSION: Clinical Psychologists are cognizant of art therapy albeit they have limited knowledge. Therefore, training in how to use art therapy and the availability of resources to facilitate art therapy can be provided for Clinical Psychologists by the Ghana Mental Health Authority.

Coproduced, arts interventions for nurturing care (0-5 years) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs): a realist review.

OBJECTIVES: Community-based arts interventions have the potential to support contextually relevant nurturing care programmes and policies that adapt to different settings. Understanding the distinctive features of using the arts in local, culturally specific ways in low/middle-income countries (LMICs); how this varies by context; and gaining a better understanding of the perspectives on desirable outcomes for communities is important evidence that this review generates. DESIGN: We conducted a realist review of papers that covered outcomes related to child health or development (0-5 years) AND arts-based approaches AND community-based, participatory approaches AND based in LMICs using a range of databases and other networks. A coding framework was developed covering context, intervention, outcomes, mechanisms, study, sustainability, transferability and scalability. RESULTS: The included papers reported 18 unique interventions. Interventions covered 14 countries, with evidence lacking for South America, Arab countries and parts of Africa. Lead authors came from mostly clinical science-based disciplines and from institutions in a different country to the country/countries studied. Intended outcomes from interventions included clinical, health systems/organisation, changes in practices/behaviours/knowledge/attitudes, and wider social and educational goals. We identified three demi-regularities (semi-predictable patterns or pathways of programme functioning): participatory design based on valuing different sources of expertise; dynamic adaptation of intervention to context; and community participation in arts-based approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that arts-based, nurturing care interventions have greater potential when they include local knowledge, embed into existing infrastructures and there is a clear plan for ongoing resourcing of the intervention. Studies with better documentation of the lessons learnt, regarding the intervention delivery process and the power dynamics involved, are needed to better understand what works, for whom and in which contexts.

Indicated Stress Prevention Addressing Adolescents with High Stress Levels Based on Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Stress affects many adolescents and is associated with physical and mental health symptoms that can have a negative impact on normative development. However, there are very few evidence-based, specific treatment approaches. The aim of the study was to investigate an eight-session group intervention using components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) enriched with elements of CBT (psychoeducation, problem solving) and art therapy, compared to a waitlist control (WLC) group, regarding its efficacy in reducing stress and associated symptoms. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in eight cohorts. Eligible participants were 13-18 years old with elevated stress levels. Via block-randomization (n = 70), participants were allocated to receive ACT (n = 38) or WLC (n = 32) and subsequent ACT. We used a multimodal assessment (self-reports, interviews, ecological momentary assessment, physiological markers) before treatment (T1), after the training of the ACT group (T2) and after subsequent training in the WLC group (T3). Primary outcome was perceived stress at T2 assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale. The trial was preregistered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00012778). RESULTS: Results showed significantly lower levels of perceived stress in the ACT group at T2, illustrating superiority of ACT compared to WLC with a medium to large effect size (d = 0.77). Furthermore, the training was effective in the reduction of symptoms of school burnout and physical symptoms associated with stress. CONCLUSION: Indicated prevention, especially when based on the principles of ACT and CBT, seems efficient in significantly decreasing stress in adolescents with increased stress.

Making meaning of one's own life story in words and images: A narrative case report of personal recovery from personality disorder through the interventions "An Empowering Story" and art therapy.

Understanding and processing life experiences are essential in the treatment of personality disorders to promote personal recovery and psychological wellbeing. In this qualitative case report, drafted in co-creation between the client, clinical psychologist, and art therapist, individual treatment consisted of two psychotherapeutic interventions, "An Empowering Story" and life-story-focused art therapy, in 12 parallel sessions for 24 weeks. Hilda, 68 years of age, had been diagnosed with an unspecified personality disorder and various traits of borderline personality disorder. She experienced emotional exhaustion following long-term mental health problems rooted in a traumatic early childhood. This affected her ability to manage her emotions and social relations, resulting in the sense that her life had no meaning. Hilda was invited to reconstruct her life experiences, divided into the past, turning point, and present/future, in a written and a painted life story. This allowed for the integration of traumatic as well as positive memories, enhanced self-compassion, and meaning making. She developed self-reflection and integration of internal conflicts leading to a better emotional balance and self-understanding. Art therapy emphasizes bottom-up regulatory processes, while narrative psychology supports top-down regulatory processes. The combined approach effectively integrated bottom-up, experiential, sensory experiences with top-down, cognitive emotion-regulation processes. The results suggest that psychotherapeutic interventions involving a multi-pronged, complementary, and thus more holistic approach can support personal recovery in personality disorders.

The employment of art therapy to develop empathy and foster wellbeing for junior doctors in a palliative medicine rotation - a qualitative exploratory study on acceptability.

BACKGROUND: The interdisciplinary realm of medical humanities explores narratives and experiences that can enhance medical education for physicians through perspective-taking and reflective practice. However, there is a gap in comprehension regarding its appropriateness at the postgraduate level, especially when utilising art therapists as faculty. This study aims to assess the acceptability of an innovative art therapy-focused educational initiative among junior doctors during a palliative care rotation, with the goal of cultivating empathy and promoting well-being. METHODS: A qualitative research project was conducted at the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care (DSPC) in the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The study involved the recruitment of junior doctors who had successfully completed a three-month palliative care rotation program, spanning from January 2020 to April 2021. In a single small-group session lasting 1.5 h, with 3 to 4 participants each time, the individuals participated in activities such as collage making, group reflection, and sharing of artistic creations. These sessions were facilitated by an accredited art therapist and a clinical psychologist, focusing on themes related to empathy and wellbeing. To assess the acceptability of the program, two individual interviews were conducted three months apart with each participant. An independent research assistant utilised a semi-structured question guide that considered affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, coherence, and self-efficacy. Thematic analysis of the transcribed data was then employed to scrutinise the participants' experiences. RESULTS: A total of 20 individual interviews were completed with 11 participants. The three themes identified were lack of pre-existing knowledge of the humanities, promotors, and barriers to program acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: The participants have mixed perceptions of the program's acceptability. While all completed the program in its entirety, the acceptability of the program is impeded by wider systemic factors such as service and manpower needs. It is vital to address these structural limitations as failing to do so risks skewing current ambivalence towards outright rejection of future endeavours to integrate humanities programs into medical education.