Back to Bedside: Synapses, Making Connections Between Patients and Providers (P7-4.003).

Area of Science:

• Medical Humanities
• Healthcare Provider Well-being
• Art Therapy in Medicine

Background:

• The Synapses Art and Literary Magazine is a Back to Bedside Initiative project.
• It offers a meaningful outlet for patients and healthcare providers to reflect on challenging clinical experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an artistic environment that strengthens connections between patients and healthcare providers.
• To evaluate the impact of artistic expression on patient and provider well-being and interpersonal dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving patients and providers creating art during hospital admission.
• Pre/post-surveys assessed well-being using Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, and Professional Fulfillment Index.
• Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data from free-response questions.

Main Results:

• Significant increases observed in provider workplace happiness (8%), self-esteem (11%), and connection with patients (9%).
• Linear regression revealed a positive association between increased provider self-esteem and enhanced patient connection (R2=0.2606).
• Thematic analysis highlighted recurrent themes of increased connection and positive perception of illness.

Conclusions:

• Artistic expression serves as a valuable reflective tool for healthcare providers.
• It is associated with improved provider self-esteem and stronger interpersonal connections with patients.
• Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these findings.