The Art of Healing: Enhancing Patient Experience and Clinical Outcomes with Sight, Sound, Touch, and Emotion
From murals and music therapy to gallery exhibits, art is integral to the health care journey at Seattle Children’s and University Hospitals.
// By Susan Dubuque //
The application of art and music in healing dates back thousands of years. Today, these timeless practices are finding new life in modern health care.
Expressive therapies, including art, music, dance, and movement, showcase the power of creativity as a meaningful remedy for patients, their families, visitors, staff, and the broader community.
Art and music therapy have long been valued for emotional and psychological benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Research shows that these interventions can positively impact clinical outcomes, such as lowering blood pressure, improving heart and respiratory rates, reducing recovery times, and easing the perception of pain.
Seneca Block, The Lauren Rich Fine Endowed Director for Expressive Therapies at University Hospitals
Art transforms clinical and sterile environments into spaces of comfort and connection. For health care workers, the presence of art can provide a moment of respite from the pressures of caregiving.
“Studies at University Hospitals (UH) show that patients receiving music therapy services are more likely to recommend the hospital to others, demonstrating its value as a key driver of patient satisfaction,” says Seneca Block, The Lauren Rich Fine Endowed Director for Expressive Therapies at University Hospitals.
Read the full article to explore how expressive therapies are used to shape patient experiences and enhance clinical care at leading health systems.