The Use of Art in the Medical Decision-Making Process of Oncology Patients

Abstract

The introduction of written informed consent in the 1970s created expectations of shared decision making between doctors and patients that has led to decisional conflict for some patients. This study utilized a collaborative, intrinsic case study approach to the decision-making process of oncology patients who participated in an open art therapy group. Narrative analysis of art and interview data revealed two specific benefits: (a) art making may assist individuals who are in a state of decisional conflict with current medical treatments being offered to them, and (b) art may be a beneficial vehicle for reflecting on past medical decision making. The study supports previous research that suggests art making is beneficial to patients coping with cancer. In the context of an open art therapy group, art therapy can function as a psycho-oncological support in the medical decision-making process often encountered by the oncology patient.

Acknowledgments

Editor's Note: Johanna Czamanski-Cohen, ATR-BC, LPC, is a doctoral student at the Center for Women's Health Studies and Promotion, Social Work Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva, Israel.