Mapping the waters: A scoping review of the use of visual arts in pediatric populations with health conditions

Abstract

Objectives: Visual art is a powerful and expressive communication tool with utility in pediatric settings. We undertook a scoping review to understand how visual arts (e.g. drawing, painting) are used in pediatric populations with health (i.e. medical and psychiatric) conditions. Methods: CINAHL, SCOPUS and PubMed were searched (2001–2011). We used systematic methods for study selection and data extraction. We conducted a descriptive analysis and categorized studies according to the purpose of the artistic intervention. Results: Of 1767 articles retrieved, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Visual art was most commonly used with the conditions of autism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Findings illuminate the use of art visual as a mechanism to facilitate or reduce specific child attributes (e.g. self-efficacy, anxiety) and to facilitate understanding through communication or assessment. Conclusions: This review provides information about the uses of visual art in pediatric populations with health conditions, as well as gaps in existing research.

Keywords::

• visual art
• pediatric
• scoping review
• health care
• child health

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program and the Women and Children's Health Research Institute for their support of her doctoral research.