Evaluation of themed open art studio for day hospice patients

This study evaluates the impact of themed open art studios on emotional well-being among 20 terminally ill patients in day hospice care (mean age 73.1; 67 % female). Participants engaged in a series of creative sessions over three months, centered on themes of “Self,” “Gratitude,” and “Hope.” Participants rated their emotional states before and after each session using a simple 0–5 Likert scale. Statistical analysis revealed a significant overall improvement in well-being (mean increase +0.52 points, p < .001). The “Self” theme yielded the largest gains (+0.9 points), likely due to its emphasis on introspection and self-compassion, followed by “Gratitude” (+0.7) and “Hope” (+0.1). Notably, male participants showed greater emotional improvement than females (p = .012), suggesting cultural norms around gendered emotional expression may influence outcomes. Participants reported high satisfaction with the program with regards to creative freedom (mean rating 4.09/5), feelings of achievement (3.89), self-reflection (3.88), social connection (3.82), and renewed meaning in life (4.09). Findings demonstrate the potential of art studios in fostering emotional resilience, personal insight, and social bonding within palliative care. By integrating themed art studios into routine care, hospices may better address the complex psychosocial dimensions of terminal illness, empowering patients to navigate their journeys with agency and dignity.