To provide an artistic environment that strengthens connections between patients and healthcare providers in the setting of difficult clinical experiences

The Synapses Art and Literary Magazine is a Back to Bedside Initiative project that provides a meaningful outlet for patients and providers to reflect on their experiences.

This is a prospective observational study evaluating patients and providers before and after the creation of an artistic piece. Interested patients and providers are given art supplies during hospital admission along with a pre/post-survey. The art pieces are published in an institutionally approved Art Magazine. Patient surveys include the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, while provider surveys include the Professional Fulfillment Index. A total of 45 art projects were completed by 43 medical providers and 2 patients.  A total of 23 pre-surveys and 18 post-surveys were completed, and 16 projects were included when adjusted for missing data. The patients surveys were excluded due to inability to draw any statistical conclusions. Paired t-tests and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Thematic analysis was used for evaluating free-response questions.

Statistical analysis showed an 8% significant increase in the mean value from the pre-survey to the post-survey in workplace happiness (9.18 vs 6.71, p=0.02), 11% increase in Self-Esteem (6.35 vs 7.18, p=0.001) and 9% increase in Connection with Patient (6.94 vs 7.65), p=0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association (R2=0.2606) between the increase in the self esteem of providers and positive connection with patients. Thematic analysis used for the qualitative portion of the data shows recurrent themes of increased connection and positive perception of illness.

This study shows that artistic expression as a reflective tool for providers is associated with an increase in self-esteem and interpersonal connection with patients. Larger focused studies are needed to further evaluate the proposed associations.