A Retrospective Thematic Analysis of Patient, Family, and Staff Creative Art Tiles Developed on a Tertiary Palliative Care Unit

Abstract

Objectives: Clinical use of the creative arts in palliative care is well established, yet there are few evaluation studies of these programs. Methods: In this first phase of a 3-phase evaluation of a creative arts program entitled “Tile Tales,” we conducted a retrospective thematic analysis of 85 painted tiles and accompanying stories that were publically displayed on a tertiary palliative care unit. Each story was independently coded, using content analysis. Themes were derived through consensus, using the constant comparative method. Results: Tiles were created by staff (n = 36, 42%), family (n = 32, 38%), patients (n = 9, 11%), or patients and family (n = 8, 9%). Six major themes emerged from the artwork: “Spirituality,” “Relationships,” “Journey,” “Story,” “Symbolism,” and “Paradox.” Significance of Results: These results illustrate how the creative arts can support the expression of diverse palliative care experiences, for patients, their families and palliative care staff, when words alone may not suffice.

Arts engagement facilitated by artists with individuals with life-limiting illness: A systematic integrative review of the literature

“…Examples include the work of chaplains or occupational therapists with patients in palliative care settings. 58–63 Creative activities such as “legacy projects,” “life reviews,” and “illness narratives” notably share some common elements with the review topic. The arts complement occupational therapy aims like “creative occupation” or a chaplaincy aim of “meaning construction.” 59,62–64 Studies examining the role of the arts to enhance nursing or medical education, 64,65 to prevent health care provider burnout, 66,67 or to enhance the healthcare environment 68 bear future exploration in an effort to map the extent of the range and reach of the arts in palliative care.…”

“…Examples include the work of chaplains or occupational therapists with patients in palliative care settings. [58][59][60][61][62][63] Creative activities such as "legacy projects," "life reviews," and "illness narratives" notably share some common elements with the review topic. The arts complement occupational therapy aims like "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction."…”

Arts Engagement Facilitated by Artists With Individuals With Life-limiting Illness: An Integrative Review of the Literature

“…Examples included the work of chaplains or occupational therapists (OTs) with patients in palliative care settings. [61][62][63][64][65][66] Activities that incorporate creative elements such as "legacy projects", "life reviews", and "illness narratives" notably share some common elements with the review topic. For example, arts engagement complements an occupational therapy aim such as "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'.…”

Arts engagement facilitated by artists with individuals with life-limiting illness: A systematic integrative review of the literature

“…Examples include the work of chaplains or occupational therapists with patients in palliative care settings. [58][59][60][61][62][63] Creative activities such as "legacy projects", "life reviews", and "illness narratives" notably share some common elements with the review topic. The arts complement occupational therapy aims like "creative occupation" or a chaplaincy aim of "meaning construction'.…”