Impact of Arts for Health on Nursing Staff Well-Being
The well-being of nursing staff is a critical factor not only for their personal satisfaction but also for the quality of patient care, staff retention, and overall productivity. Two studies reviewed in this article shed light on the challenges faced by nursing staff and a potential intervention to promote their well-being.
Coping with COVID - A Nationwide Perspective
Published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in March 2023, a study conducted across 30 states in the United States involving 43,026 respondents from 206 organizations provided a comprehensive look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals. The data, collected from April to December 2020, included physicians, nurses, other clinical staff, and non-clinical staff. Key findings demonstrated that 56% of nurses reported burnout and 41% of nurses expressed an intent to leave their practice within the next two years.
These alarming statistics underscore the significant toll on the mental and emotional well-being of nursing staff leading to the current healthcare crisis with a significant nursing shortage in the United States. Addressing burnout and supporting the well-being of healthcare workers is critical in retaining experienced professionals within the medical workforce.
The Healing Power of Arts
A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health explored the impact of arts activities on the well-being of nursing staff. Conducted over a 10-week period in October to December 2014, this study included 115 hospital nursing staff in Lithuania, all female, aged mostly between 40-54 years. 56 participants were in the intervention group and 59 in the control group. The intervention group participated in silk painting activities once a week for 2 hours outside regular work hours. These were not art therapy sessions; rather they were “arts for health” activities without a therapeutic focus and led by a professional artist.
Data collection included sociodemographic information, standardized scales for mental well-being, stress, fatigue, and general health. Surveys were completed by intervention and control groups before the first and final painting sessions.
Results demonstrated significant positive impacts on general health and mental well-being of the intervention group, with no improvements noted in the control group.
Key positive impacts of the intervention group included:
- Decreased stress and fatigue
- Increased energy levels, creativity, sense of community, and a feeling of safety at work
- Improved focus, concentration, and greater ease in addressing with problems
- Improved ability to relax after work
- Participants felt happier and less nervous; they reported feeling calm, peaceful, optimistic and that their life was meaningful
- 93% of participants reported enjoyment, and 75% expressed an interest to continue arts activities in the future
The results of this study provide a hopeful perspective on arts for health interventions to address nursing staff well-being. Recognizing the connection between stress, burnout, and overall job satisfaction, incorporating activities that promote creativity and community building becomes essential. While the coping with COVID study highlights the urgent need to address burnout, the arts intervention study offers a potential intervention to enhance the overall well-being of nursing staff.
As the healthcare industry grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a nationwide staffing shortage, prioritizing the mental and emotional well-being of nursing staff is paramount. These two studies underline the importance of comprehensive strategies to address burnout and promote well-being. Implementing interventions like arts activities may not only mitigate burnout but also contribute to a more resilient and fulfilled nursing workforce.
Resources:
Karpavičiūtė S, Macijauskienė J. The Impact of Arts Activity on Nursing Staff Well-Being: An Intervention in the Workplace. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016 Apr 19;13(4):435. doi: 10.3390/ijerph13040435. PMID: 27104550; PMCID: PMC4847097.
Rotenstein, L.S., Brown, R., Sinsky, C. et al. The Association of Work Overload with Burnout and Intent to Leave the Job Across the Healthcare Workforce During COVID-19. J GEN INTERN MED 38, 1920–1927 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08153-z