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Description of initiative
This is a project for all health professionals. From November 2021 until March 2022, 5 artists from the 289 Association in Faro, Algarve exhibited their work in the cafeteria of the Algarve University Hospital Centre. Art for Health project aims to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of the health professionals of Faro's city's hospital. The pandemic has been very hard for all, but especially for professionals in a medical environment. Art relieves emotional tension and it is used to inspire a moment of contemplation, of existential questioning that might relieve them from the stressful situation they face. The artistic interventions took place in the cafeteria, considering it is a space frequently used by the hospital's health professionals: doctors, executives, administrative staff, technicians, nurses and auxiliary staff.
Themes: Culture and...
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Results, benefits, impact and lessons learnt
This project impacted the universe of five thousand workers at the Algarve University Hospital Centre, with special attention to the approximately 300 health professionals who have their meals at the hospital's cafeteria every day. An evaluation process of the project was carried out: individual interviews through a structured guide to users of the hospital cafeteria and a focus group with representatives of each of the project partners. Three dimensions of analysis were defined: the space; the individual and the artistic manifestations used (project) and the conclusions emphasize that the individual is the focal point on which any future initiative or artistic intervention in a hospital space should be focused on.
On a scale from 0 (not at all important) to 5 (very important) most of the health professionals interviewed consider that the project was very important (median of 4 values). Regarding the adequacy of space, the value is a little lower, being the opinion of most health professionals that this type of project should have a bigger impact on patients. The results of the interviews reflect the reality of the health professionals and transcribe the utilitarian vision of health professionals.
Understanding the work dynamics, values and mentalities of health professionals facilitate the implementation. Considering the permanent rush and pressure required of health professionals, the pragmatism inherent in these professions and the priority given to the patient's well-being, combined with a certain prejudice about the type of feeling that should be experienced in a hospital environment, the best strategy for future interventions is the indirect promotion of the well-being of health professionals through their patients.
Future artistic projects in a hospital environment should have a curatorship that ensures that they are inclusive (welcoming professionals and patients) and moderate, so that they do not break with the formality of the hospital space.