Impact of an artist-in-residence program in a complex continuing care hospital: a quality improvement investigation

ABSTRACT

Background

The objective was to assess the impact of an Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program on the quality of life of patients living at a complex continuing care hospital.

Methods

In the AiR program, a professional Artist facilitated the creation of community art projects by patients in groups (before COVID-19) and individually (during COVID-19). Four patients, four staff and one family member involved with the program were interviewed to assess their experiences.

Results

Themes identified included improvements in spiritual, mental and community health, creation of a sense of community, learning skills and knowledge surrounding art and culture, and the importance of the Artist’s personal characteristics/personality. It was recommended to continue and expand the program.

Conclusions

The patients deeply enjoyed the AiR program and working with the Artist. Non-patient participants also recognized benefits for the hospital community. Procurement of stable funding and expansion of the program are areas to focus on next.

KEYWORDS:

• Art
• artist-in-residence
• quality of life
• mental health
• spiritual health
• public art
• community-building

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank all patients, staff, volunteers and family members who participated in the Artist-in-Residence program, especially those who accepted our invitation to be interviewed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation under Grant [#SD105255] and by the Incentive Fund of the Alternative Funding Plan for the Academic Health Sciences Centres of Ontario.