Selvvalgt kunst som positiv distraktion på patientstuen ; Elective art as distraction in hospital ward

Art as soothing factor is well known, and there is a growing awareness of sense impressions importance to patients. The aim was to explore, whether self-chosen art on the wards, affected hospitalized patients in a Danish somatic hospital, in a way that patients experienced well-being, pleasure and recreation during hospitalization. We used mixed methods in the form of a register form, focus group and individual interviews and a questionnaire. For patients, it is significant how the hospital ward is decorated, and may even be decisive for whether the patient is comfortable during hospitalization. Active involvement of patients in choosing the art to be hung by their bed, created for the majority of patients, increased pleasure and entertainment during hospitalization. Elective arts in the hospital ward had impact on patients' psychological resources, and it gave the experience that caregivers had a greater focus on the patients.