Applied Nursing Research
Volume 20, Issue 1 , Pages 32-38, February 2007

Choosing art as a complement to healing

  • Esther Suter, PhD, MSW

      Affiliations

    • Research Initiatives in Nursing and Health, Calgary Health Region, Calgary AB, Canada T2W 3N2
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding authors. Esther Suter is to be contacted at tel.: +1 403 943 01823; fax: +1 403 943 0189. Debbie Baylin, tel.: +1 281 6131.
    • ,
  • Debbie Baylin, BA

      Affiliations

    • Art à la Carte Calgary AB, Canada T2V 5H9
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding authors. Esther Suter is to be contacted at tel.: +1 403 943 01823; fax: +1 403 943 0189. Debbie Baylin, tel.: +1 281 6131.

Received 18 August 2005; accepted 10 November 2005.

Abstract 

Art à la Carte is a volunteer program that enables long-term care patients to decorate their hospital room with an art print of their choice. Thirty-seven participants were interviewed to evaluate the program. The data suggest that art adds a personal touch to the sterile hospital environment, facilitates interaction between staff and patients, and provides positive distractions. Choosing a work of art also helps patients to regain a sense of control. These themes coincide with the key components of supportive health care environment. The data suggest that Art à la Carte can provide a meaningful complement to the healing process.

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PII: S0897-1897(06)00129-7

doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2005.11.004

Applied Nursing Research
Volume 20, Issue 1 , Pages 32-38, February 2007

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