Examining the artist–patient relationship in palliative care. A thematic analysis of artist reflections on encounters with palliative patients

Background: Although therapeutic arts are used in the palliative care setting, little has been described about what happens during the artist–patient encounter and how these interactions can complement and integrate into the interdisciplinary model of palliative care. The objective of this study is to describe the artist–patient encounter and how artists can function in the palliative interdisciplinary model of care. Methods: Authors reviewed 229 reports written by artists about encounters with palliative patients, and performed thematic analysis on 95. Results: Artists describe physical, emotional and spiritual responses by patients including relaxation, invigoration and accessing spirituality, some of which were unique to the artist–patient interaction. Artists also described personal reactions including themes of professional fulfillment, kinship and empathy with patient suffering. Themes surrounding the artist–patient bond and trust also emerged. Conclusions: The artist–patient encounter has an effect on both patients and artists, and can create a therapeutic relationship between them. Artists provide unique perspectives and contribute to care paradigms when integrated with  the palliative team.