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Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2015

Cédric Lefèvre ,
Mathilde Ledoux  and
Marilène Filbet
Cédric Lefèvre
Affiliation:
Centre de Soins Palliatifs, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
Mathilde Ledoux
Affiliation:
Centre de Soins Palliatifs, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
Marilène Filbet*
Affiliation:
Centre de Soins Palliatifs, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France
*
Address correspondence and reprint request to: Marilène Filbet, Centre de Soins Palliatifs, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France. E-mail: marilene.filbet@chu-lyon.fr.
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Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to explore whether aesthetic beauty and the pleasure that results from artistic activity can contribute to a reduction in the symptoms experienced by palliative care patients, and to improve the effectiveness of art therapy sessions.

Method:

A self-assessment of six symptoms (pain, anxiety, ill-being, tiredness, sadness, and depression) adapted from the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was completed by patients before and after a one-hour art therapy session. This assessment was completed after the session with a self-assessment of aesthetic feeling. A correlation analysis was then performed.

Results:

From July of 2012 to December of 2013, 28 patients took part in 63 art therapy sessions. On the whole, these sessions reduced the global distress of patients by 47% (p < 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in all the symptoms studied; pain (p = 0.003), anxiety (p < 0.0001), ill-being (p < 0.0001), tiredness (p < 0.0001), sadness (p < 0.0001), and depression (p < 0.0001). A study of the significant correlations (0.35 < rs < 0.52, p < 0.05) indicated that technical satisfaction, aesthetic beauty, and pleasure are all involved to varying degrees in reduction of symptoms.

Significance of results:

Our findings confirm the benefits of art therapy in reducing distress within the palliative context. We also make suggestions for the future direction and improvement of these sessions.

Keywords

Art therapyPalliative careCancerSymptomsAesthetic
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , August 2016 , pp. 376 - 380
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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