Perceptions of Art Therapy by Healthcare Professionals in Medical Settings

Abstract

Art therapy is an emerging allied health profession in Singapore, although attitudes toward the role of the service remain unclear. This study surveyed 80 healthcare professionals from two tertiary care hospitals, exploring three areas: (a) perceptions of art therapy, (b) the referral process, and (c) suggestions to increase art therapy utilization. Findings suggest that healthcare professionals perceive art therapy as a form of psychotherapy, but need for clearer referral processes. Additional research in art therapy is necessary to support its implementation in acute healthcare in Singapore.

Keywords:

• Medical art therapy
• perception
• healthcare professionals
• art as therapy
• art psychotherapy

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge SGH, Department of Psychology, and KKH, Child Life, Art and Music Therapy (CHAMPs) for supporting this study. We would also like to thank our colleagues, both past and present, who participated in this study—we honestly did not expect such an overwhelming response. Last but not least, we would like to extend our gratitude to KD for her guidance throughout this process. This study was conducted while the Principal Investigator, DH, was working at SGH.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Peiling Pearlyn Lee (second author), upon reasonable request.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.