The Impact of Art on the Workplace: Constructing an Aesthetically Soothing Workplace through Art

Abstract

The healthcare experience is transforming; something new is emerging in the world of medicine—something pressingly important for healing, and beneficial to more than just patients. The integration of arts into healthcare is a diverse, multidisciplinary field that is rapidly expanding and becoming widely accepted as an essential part of healthcare organizations. The programs already in place have proven to be beneficial for the physical and mental health of patients and healthcare providers. Based upon the strong foundation of medicine that currently exists in this country, these innovative programs utilize art to promote health and healing to a population of people undergoing serious changes in their lives. It is a unique and humanistic addition to the continually advancing care already provided. Art in Healthcare is a well-rounded field of study filled with diverse and passionate people motivated to care for others. Its integration has demonstrated success in decreasing patients’ length of stay, improving pain tolerance, alleviating anxiety, decreasing depression, and improving overall well-being. In addition to the patients, its advantages extend to healthcare providers by dramatically increasing workplace satisfaction.

Appendices

Discussion Questions

• 1. Have you ever felt emotionally impacted by a work of art?

  • (a) What was it and what was your reaction?

• 2. Have you ever felt emotionally impacted by a work of art in a healthcare facility?

  • (a) What was it and what was your reaction?

• 3. Have you ever worked in a facility that had medically based artwork?

  • (a) Did it make you feel more connected to your profession? To your body?

• 4. If you were a patient with a lung condition, how would an illustration of healthy lungs make you feel?

• 5. If you had a disease, how would an illustration of it make you feel?

• 6. Are there any negative effects of putting more energy and effort into integrating the arts into healthcare?

• 7. What is stopping hospitals and healthcare facilities from getting started?

Discussion Leader Guide

• The discussion questions are aimed at understanding peoples’ relationship to art, especially as it relates to the medical field.

• A person’s “emotional reaction” to a work of art is something that can only be fully understood by the individual, unless spoken or written about to others.

• The discussion questions are meant to start an open conversation about something new, and something they have possibly never spoken about.

• Conversations about art in health can lead to a deeper understanding of the field. It can also lead to a deeper understanding of one another, which creates a healthier work environment.

Glossary

Art

The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power [1].

Biophilia hypothesis

It suggests that the ability to recognize healthy natural environments is a survival advantage, since these environments provide the best resources [4].

Governance

Leadership in governance is the willingness and ability to take ownership in a part of an organization and to continually do what is best for the organization. Effective corporate leaders stand on a foundation of solid governance principles [13].

Immunoglobulin A

An antibody that plays a crucial role in immunity and fighting infections [6].

Positive distraction

The belief that environmental features can elicit positive feelings, hold attention and interest, and, therefore, reduce stressful thoughts [4].

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

A theory that is concerned with the correlation between stress and health. Specifically, PNI is the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems of the human body [7].