Work

Arts, public health and the National Arts and Health Framework: a lexicon for health professionals

Year: 2016

Type: review

Abstract: ollowing the implementation of the World Health Organization's Health for All strategy, the 'Arts and Health' movement started to gain momentum in Australia as a means of improving public health, promoting social inclusion and reducing health inequalities.1,2 The field of arts and health is diverse and involves practice in many health areas, including health promotion, primary care, hospital care (acute and chronic), rehabilitation, and respite and aged care.3 A review of the literature suggests that recreational arts engagement (for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby, rather than therapy) has a positive impact on mental, social and physical wellbeing, and is a versatile means of improving health literacy, access and creating health benefits for the general population and vulnerable groups.[4][5][6][7] Arts interventions in medical settings provide a range of positive clinical outcomes including better pain management, reduced medication use, decreased length of stay in hospital and reduced patient stress and anxiety.5,[8][9][10] In 2014, the National Arts and Health Framework was endorsed by Australia's Health Ministers and Cultural Ministers.7 This endorsement acknowledges that arts initiatives have a place in our health system 10 and a role in contributing to the health and wellbeing of all Australians.11 The Framework calls for greater integration of arts and health strategies and practice in health promotion, treatment and services and is applicable to all health organisations, departments and agencies.7 An important barrier to the implementation of the Framework and successful arts-public health partnerships is a lack of awareness and understanding of key arts-health concepts.This commentary aims to address this need and will be of use to public health professionals, clinicians, researchers and policy makers interested in the Framework and the emerging field of arts and health.

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12545

Authors: Christina Davies, Melanie Pescud, Julia Anwar‐McHenry, Peter Wright