Online exclusive: art intervention with family caregivers and patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the implementation and preliminary evaluation of an art intervention at the bedsides of patients with cancer and their family caregivers.


METHODS
Field notes from ongoing encounters with family caregivers and patients with cancer, research literature, and descriptions of other programs.


RESULTS
An "Art Infusion" intervention was developed and offered to family caregivers and patients with cancer during treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Training of interventionists, timing and delivery of the intervention, and the availability of art activity choices were key factors in the intervention's success.


CONCLUSIONS
Family caregivers and patients with cancer are interested in and responsive to art interventions. Additional research is needed to quantify the effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Art interventions enhanced and extended the scope of care for family caregivers and patients with cancer. Nurses are in key positions to establish, supervise, and promote such interventions.
Walsh
Sandra M
SM
Barry University, Miami, FL, USA. swalsh@mail.barry.edu
Weiss
Sharlene
S
D001155:Art Therapy; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life