1. Effects of Art Therapy During Chemotherapy Sessions
Samantha Scholzen, MSN
Dr. Elizabeth Hartman, PhD, RN
Effects of Art Therapy During Chemotherapy Sessions
Introduction
Approximately 40% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during some point in their lives. As a whole, cancer patients are vulnerable to many physical, psychological, and social impacts as a result of their diagnosis and treatment regimen. Due to the intensity of various chemotherapy drugs, patients may experience heightened impacts. Increased explorations in complementary medicine is attempting to relieve negative impacts associated with chemotherapy. Therefore it is important to continue to explore beneficial options for patients, such as art therapy, as a complementary treatment for patients.
Research Type: Integrative Literature Review
Databases Searched: CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed
Search Terms: Art therapy and neoplasms
Subject: Chemotherapy patients
Limitations: Published between 2007 and 2017; peer reviewed; English
Conceptual Framework: Pender’s Health Promotion Model
Methodology
Nurses play a vital role in identifying and educating chemotherapy patients about the benefits of art therapy. Nurses need to be advocates for their patients and encourage activities, such as art therapy, that could improve adverse side effects, overall well-being, and enhance relationships with patients.
Nursing Implications
Five studies integrating art therapy during chemotherapy sessions suggest that art therapy has many positive effects for cancer patients experiencing adverse effects from treatment.
Decreased depression and fatigue levels
Improved or maintenance of quality of life and overall well-being
Decreased nervousness in pediatrics
Decreased pain experienced during treatment in pediatrics
Perceived as helpful to promote relaxation and coping skills
Enhanced relationships between patients and staff
Results & Discussion
Conclusion
Art therapy can have many positive effects for patients receiving chemotherapy, such as symptom improvement for depression, fatigue, nervousness, and quality of life enhancement. Thus nurses should consider offering the activity more frequently. Further research is needed to solidify results, and explore additional effects during chemotherapy.
Purpose
The literature review examined the effects of art therapy, as a complementary medicine, for cancer patients during chemotherapy sessions.
References:
Bar-Sela, G., Stid, L., Danos, S., Gabay, N., & Epelbaum, R. (2007). Art therapy improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy. Psycho-Oncology, 16, Doi: /pon.1175;
Bozcuk, H., Ozcan, K., Erdogan, C., Mutlu, H., Demir, M., & Coskun, S. (2016). A comparative study of art therapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and improvement in quality of life by watercolor painting. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 30, Doi: /j.ctim ;
Forzoni, S., Perez, M., Martignetti, A., & Crispino, S. (2010). Art therapy with cancer patients during chemotherapy session: an analysis of the patients’ perception of helpfulness. Palliative and Supportive Care, 8, Doi: /S ;
Madden, J.R., Mowry, P., Gao, D., McGuire Cullen, P., & Foreman, N.K. (2010). Creative Arts Therapy Improves Quality of Life for Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients Receiving Outpatient Chemotherapy. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 27(3), Doi: / ;
Nainis, N., Paicem J.A., Ratner, J., Wirth, J.H., Lai, J., & Shott, S. (2006). Relieving Symptoms in Cancer: Innovative Use of Art Therapy. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 31(2), ;
Vianna, D., Claro, L.L., Mendes, A.A., Da Silva, A.N., Bucci, D.A., De Sa, P.T., … & Silva, P.R. (2013). Infusion of Life: patient perceptions of expressive therapy during chemotherapy sessions. European Journal of Cancer Care, 22,