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What can culture do for healthcare?

Posted by:

Darren Henley

We are changing how we think about health and wellbeing. In his first major speech as health secretary Matt Hancock recognised that patients want to maximise their quality of life, not just to keep illness at bay. By committing to give GPs access to social prescribing, as an alternative to drugs, Hancock acknowledges the desire of health professionals and policy makers to focus more on preventative, joined-up care.
5 September 2018

Posted by:

Darren Henley

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A nurse looks at a piece of art on a hospital wall.

If you’re unwell, the worry can consume you.  You tend forget other aspects of your identity.  The arts can help you think differently about your self and distract you from your condition.  People with chronic or terminal conditions may experience loneliness and a lack of hope.  If people have a chance to get creative, it helps them realise they still have a purpose and enjoy their lives more as a result. 

Creativity in all its forms is an essential part of being human and vital for wellbeing.  More research is needed, but a series of high-quality studies are emerging which show the health benefits of cultural activities – whether that’s picking up a book, visiting a museum or joining a choir.  A recent influential Parliamentary report, Creative Health, found that one arts on prescription project administered by the charity Artlift led to a 37% drop in GP visits and a 39% reduction in hospital admissions.  This produced a net saving of £216 per patient.

We have to recognise the power of artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries in healthcare and beyond

Off the back of similar evidence, programmes are starting to roll out across the country. Dance for Health, a dance-based fall prevention programme for older people, has a completion rate between 27% and 42% higher than programmes based on repetitive, less creative exercise.  Put simply, the participants have more fun when they dance so they stick to the programme.  Similarly, Reading Well, a books-on-prescription programme, reported that 83% of participants experiencing mental ill health felt better able to understand their conditions, and 68% felt that their symptoms had improved.

Of course, there are obstacles to overcome.  In relation to mental health, for example, the evidence base remains patchy around both medicine and social prescribing.  More high quality, large scale research is needed.   A recent survey found that 6 in 10 GPs thought social prescribing was a positive step, though some also worry they might find it difficult to stay on top of a new area of treatment.  This is why the Secretary of State’s commitment of new funding for social prescribing is so welcome.  It offers an opportunity to roll out more programmes and to understand their impact.

A group of people at a singing session for people living with dementia.
Singing session for people living with dementia. Photo © Anthony Robling

Social prescribing can’t replace drugs, or surgery, or any other treatment proven to work, but we can’t afford to ignore its potential to prevent or alleviate a range of conditions.  Broadening access to the arts should be a core part of this – it’s good for patients, good for staff, and good for the NHS.  To create a healthy, happy, meaningful life for everyone, we have to recognise the power of artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries in healthcare and beyond.

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