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

Abstract

Background: Living with life-limiting illness significantly impacts quality of life. A growing body of evidence suggests that arts engagement facilitated by artists promotes well-being. However, no synthesis of the literature exists to describe arts engagement delivered by artists with individuals receiving palliative care. Aim: To systematically review and synthesize evidence to identify outcomes and key knowledge gaps to inform future research and practice. Design: A systematic integrative literature review was conducted using a pre-defined search strategy and reported using PRISMA guidelines. Analysis was conducted iteratively and synthesis achieved using constant comparison to generate themes. Data sources: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies published between database inception and August 2020. Search terms included variations on arts/artists; patients/service users; and palliative or end-of-life care. Eligibility criteria was applied and study quality assessed. Results: Seven reviewed studies explored literary, performing, and visual arts engagement in hospitals, hospice and community settings in England, the United States, France, and Canada. Study designs, interventions and findings were discussed. Themes identified across studies associated arts engagement with (1) a sense of well-being, (2) a newly discovered, or re-framed, sense of self, (3) connection with others, and (4) challenges associated with practice. Conclusion: Recommendations for future research were offered in order to maximize benefits, minimize risks and address complexity of artists’ engagement in palliative care including: (1) consistency in methods and reporting; (2) inclusion of wider perspectives; and (3) key considerations for adapting the arts by health condition and art form.

A critical appraisal of research in arts, health and wellbeing

“…It is recognized that artists facilitate arts engagement with individuals with palliative care needs in a range of settings such as hospitals and hospice (Anderson et al, 2017;Peng et al, 2019;Lee et al, 2021). Individuals with palliative care needs experience distinct impacts to their quality of life and well-being as daily routines, social connection, and a sense of identity are significantly disrupted (Sepúlveda et al, 2002;Long, 2011;Knaul et al, 2018;Greer et al, 2020;Henson et al, 2020).…”

“…As arts in health is not widely formalized or systematically available, communication skills and a common vernacular are also invaluable in order to translate the values and aims of arts engagement with patients for effective interprofessional collaboration (Jensen, 2014;Sonke et al, 2017. Despite this growing body of literature, there are few published studies to date describing the mechanisms and nuances of professional practice among artists working in palliative or end-of-life care settings Lee et al, 2021).…”

Examining the Range and Scope of Artists’ Professional Practices With Individuals With Palliative Care Needs: An International, Cross-Sectional Online Survey

“…It is recognized that artists facilitate arts engagement with individuals with palliative care needs in a range of settings such as hospitals and hospice ( Anderson et al, 2017 ; Peng et al, 2019 ; Lee et al, 2021 ). Individuals with palliative care needs experience distinct impacts to their quality of life and well-being as daily routines, social connection, and a sense of identity are significantly disrupted ( Sepúlveda et al, 2002 ; Long, 2011 ; Knaul et al, 2018 ; Greer et al, 2020 ; Henson et al, 2020 ).…”

“…As arts in health is not widely formalized or systematically available, communication skills and a common vernacular are also invaluable in order to translate the values and aims of arts engagement with patients for effective interprofessional collaboration ( Jensen, 2014 ; Sonke et al, 2017 , 2019 ). Despite this growing body of literature, there are few published studies to date describing the mechanisms and nuances of professional practice among artists working in palliative or end-of-life care settings ( Tan, 2020 ; Lee et al, 2021 ).…”