The Role of Art Therapy in Supportive and Palliative Care for Cancer Patients

Introduction: Cancer patients experience common physical and psychosocial difficulties including pain, nausea, drowsiness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, anxiety, ill being, tiredness, sadness and depression. Given the numerous challenges faced by cancer patients, the necessity for a symptom management setting is evident. In the context of palliative care for cancer patients, who often face these significant challenges, the potential benefits of art therapy are particularly relevant. Art therapy is one intervention that contribute to symptom management by providing patients with a non-pharmacological method for coping with pain and discomfort.Materials and Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials gov and grey literature were searched for studies conducted between ۲۰۰۶ and ۲۰۲۳. The inclusion criteria were research studies of any design, English written papers, art therapy intervention, effects on quality of life, palliative and supportive care among cancer patients.Results: Art therapy sessions have shown to significantly reduce symptoms in cancer patients, as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System. Additionally, the increase of emotional well-being and social interaction has been observed using ten-point visual analogue scales, questionnaires and in-depth interviews after art therapy sessions. Considering the impacts, art therapy as a palliative care unit can improve overall well-being and quality of life in cancer patients.Conclusions: Art therapy as a psychotherapeutic approach can be integrated in palliative care units for patients with advanced cancer. A significant impact on alleviating pain, reduction of anxiety and depression, increase of emotional and physical well-being, social interaction and quality of life has been demonstrated by incorporating art therapy into the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care, healthcare professionals can provide support and comfort for patients, addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Art therapy ، Cancer ، Palliative care ، Supportive care ، Psych oncology