A Mixed Methods Prelimimnary Review of Hospitalized Trauma Patient Experiences with Art Therapy

Abstract

This study provided a preliminary investigation of the use of art therapy with individuals who sustained sudden traumatic injuries. A mixed methods study design included a literature review, secondary survey results, and personal communication with an art therapist in a trauma unit. The literature review provided only two articles related to the use of art therapy with individuals with traumatic injuries. Research about the population's physical and mental health needs and the use of art therapy with comparable populations was used to supplement this research. The secondary survey results were collected from a trauma unit that surveyed eleven eligible participants after having at least one art therapy session during their hospital stay. The survey results found preliminary evidence of positive experiences with art therapy and the likelihood to participate again. The results of the literature review provided evidence that there needs to be more mental health resources for patients following a traumatic injury. Additionally, art therapy was able to address a variety of mental health needs that trauma patients have with comparable populations. These findings suggest that increased funding for adjunctive mental health resources like art therapy might improve trauma patients' experiences in the hospital.