Visual intelligence education using an art-based intervention: Outcomes evaluation with nursing graduate students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Visual Literacy
• Art-Based Interventions

Background:

• Visual training enhances observation and communication skills, crucial in healthcare.
• Art-based learning interventions are increasingly adopted across disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a fine arts intervention on visual literacy skills in nursing graduate students.
• Evaluate improvements in observation, perception, and communication domains.

Main Methods:

• A five-activity visual thinking intervention was delivered to 94 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) students.
• A quantitative, pre- and post-evaluation design was employed with voluntary participation.
• Visual Intelligence Assessment (VIA) and Image Assessment tools were administered.

Main Results:

• DNP students showed a trend towards improved VIA scores (p=.057) and significantly higher post-intervention image scores (p < .001), indicating better objective language use.
• CNL students' VIA scores slightly decreased (p=.08), with no change in image scores.
• The intervention enhanced self-awareness and perceived understanding of visual intelligence's role in empathy.

Conclusions:

• The art-based intervention positively impacted DNP students' observational skills and language.
• Improvements in self-awareness varied based on prior experience.
• Visual literacy training holds potential for enhancing healthcare professional skills.