The impact of an arts program in a children's cancer and hematology center

Abstract

The Arts in Medicine (AIM) program is an established, 13-year-old program in a major children's Cancer and Hematology Center that provides meaningful artistic opportunities to cancer patients and their families in inpatient and outpatient settings. We report the results of a survey-based program evaluation assessing the clinical effectiveness of AIM-facilitated activities. The survey consisted of questions designed to assess patient familiarity with and participation in art opportunities. Among 460 patients and family members, we found low familiarity with the actual AIM program but high participation in and perceived benefit of AIM-facilitated activities. To raise awareness, implementing a daily activity schedule and providing AIM program information to all newly diagnosed patients and families is recommended. Teenagers perceived art activities to be especially beneficial. To increase older children's involvement in AIM activities, expanding performance arts and increasing specific efforts to engage teenager involvement should be considered.

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