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Abstract
A visual art programme was developed with the aim of improving observational competence through identification of nursing care patterns in 'The Sickbed', a painting by the Swedish artist Lena Cronqvist. Symbols and expressions were interpreted from hypothetical caring situations. Data were collected from student nurses (n=203) at three university colleges of health sciences in Sweden. Study and observation of 'The Sickbed' were reported in writing both individually and on a group basis. The findings suggest that the students observed, as well as described a great many details in 'The Sickbed'. The role of the characters depicted in the painting was easily transferred to imaginary clinical situations. The students improved their observational competence.