Visual art in a hospital from patients’ and families’ perspectives: Bringing thoughts and feelings in motion

Little is known about the effects of visual art in hospitals on the health and well-being of patients and their families. This study investigates how patients and their families experience visual art in a hospital and what it means to them. The authors employ a phenomenological-interpretive design, incorporating participant observations, micro-interviews, in-depth interviews and a co-creative session with patients and their families. The experience of art in the hospital takes place within a triangular field of visual art (which is experienced passively, actively and neutrally) by the person (in the role of patient or family) and the hospital (building environment and its care function). The presence of visual art in hospitals can touch patients and their families emotionally, fostering a sense of home and humanity, stimulating imagination and fantasy and providing a welcome distraction. Visual art contributes to a more pleasant and relaxed environment.