The hope collage activity: an arts-based group intervention for people with chronic pain

The use of Arts-Based Research in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review

Background

As an emerging approach, arts-based research holds potential to advance understanding of the complex and multidimensional experiences of chronic pain and means of communicating this experiential evidence. This scoping review aimed to map and explore the extent of arts-based research in chronic non-cancer pain, understand the rationale behind using arts-based research methods, and identify directions for future research.

Methods

Databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for eligible English-language articles from inception to November 2022. Out of 1321 article titles and abstracts screened for eligibility, 18 articles underwent full-text screening, with 14 ultimately meeting all inclusion criteria. We conducted a narrative synthesis of data extracted from the 14 reviewed articles.

Results

The review articles focused on a wide range of chronic non-cancer pain conditions, with 12/14 employing qualitative methods (86%), one repeated measures experimental design, and another a multiphase, multimethod design. Seven articles described the use of drawing, painting, or mixed-media artwork; four used photography; two used body mapping; and one used e-book creation. The rationale for arts-based research included exploring and better understanding patients' experiences with chronic non-cancer pain, constructing an intervention, and investigating or validating a clinical tool. Nine articles reported that their arts-based research methods produced unintended therapeutic benefits for participants. Recommendations for future research included using arts-based research to better understand and communicate with patients and providers, exploring convergence with art therapy, and designing creative and flexible multiphased studies involving collaboration across disciplines.

Conclusions

Despite the wide variation in sample and art modalities across reviewed articles, arts-based methods were considered suitable and highly effective for investigating chronic non-cancer pain.

Exploring the experiences of individuals living with persistent pain using a visual art diary

Introduction

Persistent pain significantly impacts daily living. Visual arts interventions can have positive outcomes, but little is known about benefits for people with persistent pain. This study aimed to explore participant experiences of utilising visual art in expressing and managing their persistent pain experience through a visual diary.

Method

As part of a small exploratory study nested in a larger project, participants with a history of persistent pain were recruited from a local pain management clinic. Six participants with persistent pain attended five weekly intervention sessions involving art observation, creation and discussion, at the Art Gallery of NSW. Participants explored their ideas about their pain experience through artmaking using visual and written data from self-reported pain diaries. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Analysis of five diaries was conducted. Visual and written expressions of the pain experience varied. Colour was used by participants to represent ideas and emotions. Capital letters were used to convey tone, or emphasis. Three main themes emerged from the written and visual data: ‘The lived experience of pain’, ‘The powerful drive for growth beyond change itself’ and ‘Personal values and perceptions guiding daily living and decision-making’.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the potential benefits of using visual arts to help manage persistent pain experiences and improve health outcomes.

Art Making as a Health Intervention: Concept Analysis and Implications for Nursing Interventions

Art making has been adopted across multiple disciplines as a health intervention. However, our understanding of art making as a health intervention and how it differs from art therapy is still limited. Therefore, we conducted a concept analysis to better understand art making as a health intervention guided by Walker and Avant's approach. We examined 85 studies in which we found 4 defining attributes, 4 antecedents, and physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological consequences. We suggest several nursing research and practical implications for nurse researchers and clinicians to aid in designing and implementing art making health interventions.