Often frontline care staff making a case for art in their ward or unit face familiar arguments against having art in care: it is a luxury that there is neither time nor money for; infection control forbids it; there isn’t enough evidence to support it, according to an article on the Nursing Times website.

But studies demonstrating the health benefits of art are becoming more common.

 Multiple studies found that for both patients and staff, art relieves anxiety, stress and depression. They also found that art improves staff morale and retention. Studies across a range of industries also reveal that because the built environment has a profound impact on psychological well-being, it also affects the physical well-being, according to Dr. Ted Acworth, the founder and CEO of Artaic. 

Plus, art improves patient recovery time. A study in 2003 found that patients’ length of stay on a trauma ward was one day shorter on average when art was part of their care. Art also helps to manage pain. Several studies have found that patients' pain levels are reduced by art.

Read the full Nursing TImes article.