Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T07:29:00.788Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Supportive care with art therapy, for patients in isolation during stem cell transplant

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 March 2012

Alessandra Agnese ,
Teresa Lamparelli ,
Andrea Bacigalupo  and
Paola Luzzatto
Alessandra Agnese*
Affiliation:
Department of Hematology II, University Hospital San Martino, Genova, Italy
Teresa Lamparelli
Affiliation:
Department of Hematology II, University Hospital San Martino, Genova, Italy
Andrea Bacigalupo
Affiliation:
Department of Hematology II, University Hospital San Martino, Genova, Italy
Paola Luzzatto
Affiliation:
Department of Hematology II, University Hospital San Martino, Genova, Italy
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Alessandra Agnese, Mura dello Zerbino 1-C, 16122 Genova, Italy. E-mail: duendes@libero.it
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of the art therapy study was twofold: 1) to identify the specific factors of the art therapy experience perceived as helpful by patients undergoing an allogenic hemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); and 2) to establish an appropriate criterion for referral to art therapy among this population.

Method:

Between 2006 and 2010, a dedicated art therapist met all the patients who were referred to her by the hematologist. The art therapy approach and techniques are described. Outcome was evaluated by self-assessment, based on written questionnaires that were given to the patients before discharge.

Results:

Seventy-four patients followed the weekly individual sessions during isolation and filled out the questionnaire. All of them defined the art therapy experience as “helpful” and specified in which way it had been helpful. Through a thematic analysis of the patients' written comments, three specific aspects of art therapy, which the patients found most helpful, were identified: (1) being able to calm down from anxiety, through the use of art therapy techniques (77.02%); (2) feeling free to express and share difficult feelings, which they had not communicated verbally (75.67%); and (3) establishing meaningful connections with their loved ones, through images made in art therapy (36.48%). Case illustrations are provided.

Significance of results:

The results suggest that referral to art therapy from the team might be helpful and appropriate: (1) when patients are anxious; (2) when they are uncommunicative and hide their feelings; and (3) when they feel disconnected from their loved ones at home.

Keywords

Art therapyAllogenic HSCTIsolationCoping with anxiety and depressionInterdisciplinary approach
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , June 2012 , pp. 91 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Aronson, J. (1994). A pragmatic view of thematic analysis. http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/BackIssues/QR2-1/aronson.html.Google Scholar
Forzoni, S., Perez, M., Martignetti, A., et al. (2010). Art therapy with cancer patients during chemotherapy sessions: an analysis of the patients' perception of helpfulness. Palliative and Support Care, 10, 1–8.Google Scholar
Gabriel, B., Bromberg, E., Vandenbovenkamp, J., et al. (2001). Art therapy with adult bone marrow transplant patients in isolation: A pilot study. Psycho-Oncology, 10, 114–123.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hiltebrand, E. (1999). Coping with cancer through image manipulation. In Medical Art Therapy with Adults. Malchiodi, C. (ed.), pp. 113–136. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.Google Scholar
Holland, J. & Alici, Y. (2010). Management of distress in cancer patients. Journal of Supportive Oncology, 8, 4–12.Google ScholarPubMed
Isaak, K. (2010). Distress and Depression Among Bone and Marrow Transplant Patients. http://www.rnjournal.com/journal_of_nursing/distress_and_depression_among_bone_and_marrow_transplant_patients.htmGoogle Scholar
Illescas-Rico, R., Amaya-Ayala, F., Jimènez-López, J., et al. (2002). Increased incidence of anxiety and depression during bone marrow transplantation. Archives of Medical Research, 33, 144–147.Google Scholar
Luzzatto, P. & Gabriel, B. (2000). The creative journey: A model for short-term group art therapy with post treatment cancer patients. Art Therapy, 17, 265–269.Google Scholar
Luzzatto, P., Sereno, V. & Capps, R. (2003). A communication tool for patients with pain: The art therapy technique of the body outline. Palliative & Supportive Care, 1, 135–142.Google Scholar
Malchiodi, C.A. (ed.) (2003). Handbook of Art Therapy. New York: The Guilford Press.Google Scholar
Oster, I., Svensk, A.C., Magnusson, E., et al. (2006) Art therapy improves coping resources: a randomized, controlled study among women with breast cancer. Palliative & Supportive Care, 4, 57–64.Google Scholar
Pratt, M. & Wood, M. (eds.) (1998). Art Therapy in Palliative Care. London: Routledge.Google Scholar
Robbins, A. (1994). A Multi-Modal Approach to Creative Art Therapy. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.Google Scholar
Rubin, J. (1984). The Art of Art Therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.Google Scholar
Taylor, S.J. & Bogdan, R. (1984). Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: The Search for Meanings. New York: John Wiley & Sons.Google Scholar
Zannier, I. (ed.) (1999). Visage du role, from the Getty Images Collection. Milano: Motta.Google Scholar