Preventing burnout through art therapy
BBC London covered a new study from Barts Health, showing how group art therapy can help doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff feel less stressed, less burnt out, and better able to cope with the pressures of their jobs.
The research – published in BMJ Public Health and funded by Barts Charity - is the first trial of its kind to show that art therapy can really improve the wellbeing of NHS employees.
The study, led by Megan Tjasink, principal art psychotherapist at Barts Health and a researcher funded by Barts Charity at Queen Mary University of London, included 129 staff from St Bartholomew’s, The Royal London, Whipps Cross, and Newham hospitals.
Small, private groups of about eight people, were led by trained therapists, provided a safe space where people could open up about pressures of their work and find new ways to handle stress whilst using paints, clay and other materials to express their feelings.
BBC London interviewed Megan Tjasink about the study and several staff who attended the session also featured, sharing how the group art therapy supported their wellbeing and helped them deal with the many challenges clinical work can bring.
Those who took part said they felt less emotionally drained, more connected to their patients, and less stressed, anxious, and depressed.
These benefits lasted for at least three months after the sessions finished. Almost everyone (98%) said the therapy helped them, and all said they would recommend it to their colleagues.
We’re pleased to say that following this successful pilot, art therapy is now available across all of our hospitals as part of our staff Psychological Support Service offer.
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