Art-Based Learning in palliative care

In this project, artists and researchers investigate how Art-Based Learning can be integrated into educational programmes for health professionals. They explore how both care providers and art professionals can expand their scope of action so that they are better equipped to support patients with advanced cancer.

A team of researchers, artists and healthcare professionals is conducting participatory research into what matters when designing an art exhibition for people with advanced cancer. Together with patients, artists and care professionals, they identify needs, sensitivities and design criteria. These insights will be developed into a practical manual for future makers, care teams and researchers.

The researchers are also conducting an explorative study into the factors that influence patients’ meaning-making processes. They analyse patients’ experiences: what helps them to experience meaning, and what stands in the way? Based on this, the consortium will compile a full set of conclusions and recommendations. The results will be incorporated into a new educational programme for palliative care and art education.

This research project builds on previous studies into contingent experiences, narrative meaning-making and a pilot study on the feasibility of using Art-Based Learning in palliative care. Curious about the outcomes of this earlier research? The results are published in the academic journal Palliative Medicine: