
Due to the chronic nature of kidney disease, the challenges of symptom burden, and reduced mortality and comorbidity, individuals living with the condition experience substantial anxiety and depression. Incorporating the arts into clinical practice is encouraged to promote and support mental health and wellbeing.
The aim of the PAINT project was to undertake an international mapping exercise to identify the current provision of arts programmes in kidney centres for people living with kidney disease.
Responses to the survey included 119 participants from 29 countries, with 39 of the respondents reporting arts activities in their renal unit. The arts activities being offered globally to people living with kidney disease and experiences of renal healthcare staff who provide activities in their units are encouraging in terms of arts in healthcare. These practitioners have observed the benefits of this person-centred arts approach in action, predominantly in terms of the positive impact on the wellbeing of individuals with kidney disease and improved relationships with staff in dialysis units.
Background
The Renal Arts Group was established at Queen’s University Belfast in 2016. It is a collaboration between patients, carers, clinicians, academics and artists to develop a programme of research with the ultimate aim of improving the physical and psychological quality of life of those living with kidney disease.
The PAINT project was a multimethod international mapping exercise to identify the current provision of arts programmes for renal patients, co-produced with a consortium made up of members of the Renal Arts Group and project partners from Chong Hua Hospital, Philippines; Center for Arts and Health, University of Florida; Réalta, Developing Arts + Health in Ireland; and the World Health Organisation.
For information on the work of the Renal Arts Group visit
https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/renal-arts-group/
Author:
Trisha Forbes et al
Publisher:
Nephron
Year:
2024
Context:
Renal Dialysis