Infusion of Life: patient perceptions of expressive therapy during chemotherapy sessions

Abstract

Through a quanti-qualitative study, we observed the effects of group expressive therapy (ET) sessions on patients' feelings and sense of well-being, as part of the Infusion of Life project. This project is part of a broader programme to improve integral care, developed by an interdisciplinary team headed by a medical doctor who is also an artist and expert in ET. We offered 48 group ET sessions to a total of 253 outpatients with cancer or autoimmune disorders receiving venous infusions in the chemotherapy room of University Hospital Antonio Pedro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The qualitative analysis showed that the programme was a pleasant way to spend time, revived their sense of humour, relieved symptoms, provided meaningful experiences, improved their relationships with staff, enabled expression of their feelings, stimulated them to be creative, improved coping resources and reorganisation of the psyche, and renewed their perspective on life. Family and spirituality were major sources of support. Expressive therapy was shown to be flexible and applicable in small spaces, using recycled materials, even with patients with restrained movements; it can also offer great benefits with relatively small investments if a qualified team is in charge of planning, executing, and auditing the work.

The lived experience of visual creative expression for young adult cancer survivors

“…; Vianna et al . ), and findings from the current study add further explanations to this body of literature. However, this is only one aspect of how creative expression is used in art therapy.…”

“…This study adds to the rich body of literature that has revealed how art helps adults (e.g. Collie et al 2006;Vianna et al 2013) and adolescents (e.g. Baerg 2003) express and explore emotions and cognitions related to their cancer journeys.…”

“…Reynolds & Lim ; Vianna et al . ). However, creative expression differed in some ways for young adults.…”

“…; Vianna et al . ) and adolescents (e.g. Baerg ) express and explore emotions and cognitions related to their cancer journeys.…”

“…For example, past research has also uncovered that participants dedicated artwork, or used art products as gifts to reciprocate care, to others (e.g. Reynolds & Lim 2007b;Vianna et al 2013). However, creative expression differed in some ways for young adults.…”