1.

Purpose of Paper: To convince people that implementing art in the medical field is a
good idea and to help others understand the benefits art can offer for both those with and
without health issues
2. Thesis: Through implementing visual art in facility designs as well as creating
opportunities to discuss and create art, individuals dealing with health issues are able to
benefit both mentally and physically.
3. Subheading Topic: Physical design of a healthcare facility
a. Argument: Increase displays of art with soothing colors or images of nature,
positive effect on mental state
i. Specific evidence
1. Incorporating art into design provides a positive distraction
(Lankston)
2. There has been evidence that display of visual art, and specifically
images of nature, can have a positive effect on patients physical
and mental health (Lankston et al., 2010; State of Field, 2009)
3. Florence Nightingale: Variety of form and brilliancy
of colour in the objects presented to patients are
actual means of recovery. (Lankston)
4. In a study done by Valdez and Mehrabain, it was found that
specific colors elicit different emotional responses. Colors such as
blue and green caused patients to have a lower state-anxiety score
compared to other color responses (Lankston et al., 2010, p. 496)
5. Research on shorter time period spent in hospital
6. Nature themes were studied by Diette and
colleagues in a randomized controlled trial of
patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. They
found that pain control was significantly better in the
intervention group than in controls. (LANKSTON)
7. CITE EXAMPLES OF HOSPITALS WHERE ART HAS BEEN
INCLUDED IN DESIGN stobhill hospital included nature
theme (LANKSTON)
8. Ulrich study 3 groups(those with image of nature, abstract
image, no image) Nature proved to decrease anxiety the most
(Lankston)
ii. How does it relate to my thesis: The displays of art can help patients to
mentally feel better, therefore have a positive effect on their well-being
b. Argument: Architectural design plays a role in patient well-being, there should be
hospital designs that include gardens for patients to enjoy.
i. Specific evidence
1. but also incorporating architectural design to include hospital
gardens for patients to reduce stress and provide a positive escape
(State of Field, 2009)

2. Specifically for elderly, walking through care facility gardens was

found by McCaffrey to help relieve depression and improve
overall mood (State of Field, 2009, p. 18).
3. Other general benefits of viewing art include increased pain
tolerance, decreased anxiety, and even shorter hospital stays
4. It specifically in cancer patients, levels of depression and anxiety
were lower in those exposed to visual art (Lankston et al., 2010,
p. 494).
5. As examples: Architectural designs of hospitals Royal Infirmary of
Edinburgh and Stobhill and Victoria Hospitals in Glasgow
(Lankston)
ii. How does it relate to my thesis: Facility design can offer mental and
physical benefits for patients
4. Subheading topic: Viewing and Discussing art
a. Argument: Encouraging group discussions about works of art because it supports
relationship between patient and caregiver
i. Specific evidence
1. It was found that visual images can be used to create discussion
between patient and caregivers about the patients insight on their
health therefore strengthening the social support between elderly
and their caregivers as they understand more of what the patient is
going through (Hodges, Keely, Grier, 2001)
2. INSERT EXAMPLE HERE!!
3. Barret notes in his article: I now believe we were practicing what
philosopher Nel Noddings refers to as an ethics of care. We were
simultaneously carers and cared fors. We demonstrated our
caring for one another by being open about the vulnerabilities we
were feeling, thus lessening isolation (Barrett, 2011).
ii. How does this relate to my thesis: there are benefits of discussing art, and
it is easy to implement and cost efficient
b. Argument: Discussing art allows for patients to express their feelings and relate to
others
i. Specific evidence
1. It also allowed for the discussion of relative topics such as social
isolation, need for support and safety, and role change (Hodges,
Keely, Grier, 2001). CHECK MORE INDEPTH
2. The use of artwork to spark discussion positively benefits
those struggling with health as it provides a neutral
medium for discussion (Hodges et al,. 2001, p. 296).
ii. How does this relate to my thesis: the discussion of art has mental
benefits for people
5. Subheading topic: Creating Art
a. Argument: Creating art can benefit the brain and keep it healthy
1. brain plasticity by forming new synapses (Cohen, 2006)

2. Alzheimers disease by capitalizing on imagination (Cohen,

2006, p. 14) ELABORATE
ii. How does this relate to my topic: Everyone will eventually reach
old age, so art can be beneficial to keeping the brain active and
healthy
b. Argument: creating art can have positive physical effects on the body for
those dealing with illness and those without
1. Elderly: have sense of control which
psychoneuroimmunology explains influences the
production of T cells which help with immune defense
(Cohen, 2006).
2. Cancer patients: One study looked at the effects of an hour long art
therapy session on pain and other symptoms measured through the
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the
Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI-S) in relation to
patients with cancer. According to the ESAS, there was a reduction
for 8 out of 9 of the symptoms measured. The STAI-S also showed
statistically significant differences for many of the categories
measured (Nanis et al., 2006).
ii. How does this relate to my topic: Immune defense can be
beneficial to all people and for those with cancer art can ease their
situations.
c. Argument: Creating art can serve to benefit the mental health and wellbeing of people
1. Chronic Illness: positive distraction, helping to maintain a
positive identity, allowing for social connections to be
made (Reynolds and Prior, 2003).
2. Elderly: meaningful interpersonal relations (Cohen, 2006,
p. 14)
3. Elderly: provide social engagement (Cohen, 2006).
4. cancer patients: depression and fatigue levels and reduce
stress and anxiety (Nainis, 2006; State of Field, 2009;
Stuckey, 2010)
5. cancer patients: Art served as a positive distraction,
enhanced self-worth and identity, and presented a
challenged but also allowed for achievement in women
with cancer (Stuckey, 2010, p. 257).
ii. How does this relate to my topic: Contributes to the mental health
benefits of people, by giving them opportunities to feel successful
and connected with others.
6. Conclusion