title: "Humanities in medicine".
abstract: Progress in medicine and medical technology along with economic constraints have led to increasing structural change in the hospital sector over the past years. As a result of these changes, the social needs of the patients are in danger of being eclipsed by the requirements of the optimization of hospital processes. Cultural activities can be a meaningful way to offset such changes. They stimulate individuals, promote well-being and prompt discussion. Cultural activities in hospitals are directed at patients, hospital employees and people in the community. In Germany, the 'National Association for Culture and Health MediArt' founded in 1995 has been responsible for the UNESCO project "Art in Hospitals" 1988-1997. This paper provides a snapshot of German hospitals that have integrated cultural activities in an exemplary fashion. The activities include such events as 'international cultural days', 'theatre groups', 'dance workshops', 'clinclowns'. Participants include professionals, employees, patients and visitors from the community. The activities are organized by individuals and/or cultural departments created to act as 'health centres' for musical, theatrical, dance and plastic art events.
authors.affiliation: Caritasverband für das Erzbistum Paderborn, Germany.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Odenbach
mesh_terms: D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005858:Germany; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006694:Holistic Health; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000639:trends*; D006808:Humanism; D006809:Humanities; D006801:Humans; D012924:Social Conditions