Effects of Art Experience on Hospitalized Pediatric Patients

¹Director of Nursing Research, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

²Artist and nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Corresponding Author: Lopez-Bushnell FK, Director of Nursing Research, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico, E-Mail: [email protected]

Received Date: 10 Jul 2018  
Accepted Date: 16 Jul 2018  
Published Date: 20 Jul 2018

Copyright © 2018 Lopez-Bushnell FK

Citation: Lopez-Bushnell FK and Berg M. (2018). Effects of Art Experience on Hospitalized Pediatric Patients. Mathews J Pediatr. 3(1): 013.

ABSTRACT

This is an IRB approved randomized pre/post control trial that measured the effect of art making and creative experiences on the vital signs of hospitalized children Children who are hospitalized for long periods of time are often isolated and lonely, which may result in increased stress levels and depression. Many parents and family relatives cannot visit these children due to work and family responsibilities. The objectives of this research were to measure how art making activities may be helpful in providing a way for children to express themselves, induce relaxation and reduce stress responses (lower heart rate and increase oxygen saturation) and improve psychological and physiological well-being of children in hospital settings. Research findings demonstrated that art can support stress reduction.

The hypothesis was that when an art facilitator provided children with art materials and prompts at the bedside and engaged them in art making, their stress levels would decrease. Stress levels were measured by monitoring the heart rate and oxygen saturation before and after the activity for those patients on monitors. Emotional affect and pain level were also assessed using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale. This study was conducted in the UNMH General Pediatrics Unit and the Pediatric Specialty Care Unit.

KEYWORDS

Hospitalized Pediatric Patients; Art Experience; Vital Signs.