The efficacy of art therapy for patients, family and caregivers: selected reading

Arts therapy interventions

Ennis G, Kirshbaum M, Waheed N. (2018) The beneficial attributes of visual art-making in cancer care: An integrative review. European Journal of Cancer Care 27(1). doi: 10.1111/ecc.12663. Epub 2017 Feb 21 Abstract

Fancourt D, Finn S. (2019) What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping

review. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe, (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67). Fulltext

Kim KS, Lorin S, Kwekkeboom K. (2018) Use of art-making intervention for pain and quality of life among cancer patients: a systematic review. Journal of Holistic Nursing 36(4):341-353. doi: 10.1177/0898010117726633. Epub 2017 Aug 24. Abstract

Lefèvre C, Ledoux M, Filbet M. (2016) Art therapy among palliative cancer patients: Aesthetic dimensions and impacts on symptoms. Palliative & Supportive Care 14(4):376-80. doi: 10.1017/S1478951515001017. Epub 2015 Nov 20. Abstract

Radl D, Vita M, Gerber N, Gracely EJ, et al. (2018) The effects of Self-Book© art therapy on cancer-related distress in female cancer patients during active treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Psychooncology 27(9):2087-2095. doi: 10.1002/pon.4758. Epub 2018 Jun 10. Abstract

Rhondali W, Lasserre E, Filbet M. (2013) Art therapy among palliative care inpatients with advanced cancer. Palliative Medicine 27(6):571-2. doi: 10.1177/0269216312471413. No abstract

Wood M J M. (2015) The contribution of art therapy to palliative medicine. In Cherny N, Fallon M, Kaasa S, Portenoy R K, et al. (eds.) Oxford textbook of palliative medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 5th ed., pp. 210-215 Abstract

Wood MJ, Molassiotis A, Payne S. (2011) What research evidence is there for the use of art therapy in the management of symptoms in adults with cancer? A systematic review. Psychooncology 20(2):135-45. doi: 10.1002/pon.1722. Fulltext

Benefits of arts therapy for family and carers

See also Collette et al (2021) in section on depression below.

Collins A. et al. (2021) A retrospective thematic analysis of patient, family, and staff creative art tiles developed on a tertiary palliative care unit. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine 38(3): 266–275. doi: 10.1177/1049909120935833 Abstract

Kaimal G. (2019). Snapshot of practice: Researching the outcomes of art therapy for caregivers of patients at end-of-life. In Wood M J M, Jacobson B, Cridford H [eds]. The international handbook of art therapy in palliative and bereavement care. New York, NY, US: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group, US; pp. 181-184. Abstract

Kaimal G, Carroll-Haskins K, Mensinger JL, Dieterich-Hartwell RM, et al. (2019) Outcomes of art therapy and coloring for professional and informal caregivers of patients in a radiation oncology unit: A mixed methods pilot study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing 42:153-161. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.08.006. Epub 2019 Aug 22. Fulltext

(A small study involving nine informal caregivers amongst professional caregivers).

Kaimal G, Mensinger J L & Carroll-Haskins K. (2020). Outcomes of collage art-based and narrative self-expression among home hospice caregivers. International Journal of Art Therapy 25, 52-63. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2020.1752756 Fulltext

Lang D, Lim L C. (2014) Effects of art therapy for family caregivers of cancer patients: a systematic review. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports 12(4): 374-394 doi: 10.11124/jbisrir-2014-1096 Abstract

The effect of arts therapies on depression in cancer patients

Archer S, Buxton S, Sheffield D. (2015) The effect of creative psychological interventions on psychological outcomes for adult cancer patients: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Psychooncology 24(1):1-10. doi: 10.1002/pon.3607. Epub 2014 Jun 21. Fulltext

Boehm K, Cramer H, Staroszynski T, Ostermann T. (2014) Arts therapies for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine 2014:103297. doi: 10.1155/2014/103297. Epub 2014 Feb 26. Fulltext

This systematic review suggests that arts interventions may have beneficial effects on anxiety (but not depression) in patients with breast cancer.

Bosman JT, Bood ZM, Scherer-Rath M, Dörr H, et al. (2020) The effects of art therapy on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in adults with cancer: a systematic literature review. Supportive Care in Cancer 2020 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05869-0. Epub ahead of print. Fulltext

Bozcuk H, Ozcan K, Erdogan C, Mutlu H, et al. (2017) A comparative study of art therapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and improvement in quality of life by watercolor painting. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 30:67-72. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.11.006. Epub 2016 Nov 24. Fulltext

Collette N, Güell E, Fariñas O, Pascual A. (2021) Art therapy in a palliative care unit: symptom relief and perceived helpfulness in patients and their relatives. Journal of Pain Symptom and Management 61(1):103-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.027. Epub 2020 Jul 31. Abstract

Puetz TW, Morley CA, Herring MP. (2013) Effects of creative arts therapies on psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with cancer. JAMA Internal Medicine 173(11):960-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.836. Fulltext

Tang Y, Fu F, Gao H, Shen L, et al. (2019) Art therapy for anxiety, depression, and fatigue in females with breast cancer: A systematic review. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology 37(1):79-95. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1506855. Epub 2018 Nov 13. Abstract

Search strategy

Material published 2011 to date; English language only; studies of adults. Studies from the UK or countries with comparable health resourcing or systems are prioritised. Database searches and citation linking.

Databases used

Cochrane Library: (art therapy AND neoplasms)[MeSH]
PsycInfo: (caregivers[MeSH] OR carers[tw]) AND (art therapy[MeSH] or “art therapy[tw])
PubMed: (neoplasms AND (art therapy OR sensory art therapies))[MeSH]

The efficacy of drama therapy for patients, family and caregivers: selected reading

Whilst there’s a reasonably sized evidence base emerging for use of psychodrama as a means of teaching communication skills amongst qualified and student health professionals, it appears that research exploring the efficacy of this modality for patients and carers is in its infancy.

Drama therapy interventions

Carr P. (2013) What happens next? How ovarian cancer forces a woman into a new draft of her life script. Dramatherapy 35(3):149-161. doi:10.1080/02630672.2013.863376 Abstract

Dunphy K, Mullane S, Jacobsson M. (2014) The effectiveness of expressive arts therapies: A review of the literature. Psychotherapy and Counselling Journal of Australia 2(1) Fulltext

Ennis G M, Kirshbaum M & Waheed N (2019) The energy-enhancing potential of participatory performance-based arts activities in the care of people with a diagnosis of cancer: an integrative review. Arts & Health 11:2, 87-103, DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2018.1443951 Abstract

This integrative review considers eight papers about performance based arts; it’s not possible to tell from the abstract how many of the studies were about drama therapy.

Feniger-Schaal,R, & Orkibi,H. (2020). Integrative systematic review of drama therapy intervention research. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts 14(1), 68–80. Abstract

Useful for its recognition that research in this field is in its infancy.

Finestone J. (2014) No talent required: using drama therapy in support groups for cancer patients. The International Journal of Whole Person Care 1(1).Doi: https://doi.org/10.26443/ijwpc.v1i1.45 [Poster presentation] Abstract

Kamışlı S, Gökler B. (2020) Adjustment to life with metastatic cancer through psychodrama group therapy: A qualitative study in Turkey. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care 2020 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print] doi: 10.1111/ppc.12668. Abstract

Menichetti J, Giusti L, Fossati I, Vegni E. (2016) Adjustment to cancer: exploring patients’ experiences of participating in a psychodramatic group intervention. European Journal of Cancer Care 25(5):903-15. doi: 10.1111/ecc.12412. Epub 2015 Oct 29. Abstract

Trends and methodological implications. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0212575. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212575 Fulltext

This article may be helpful for its acknowledgement that psychodrama intervention research is relatively scarce, but results are promising.

Redhouse R. (2014) Life-Story; meaning making through dramatherapy in a palliative care context. Dramatherapy 36(2–3): 66–80. doi: 10.1080/02630672.2015.996239. Abstract

Sykes,Joyce Jones. (1998). Drama therapy as a treatment modality for facilitating the completion of unfinished business with terminally ill adult cancer patients in a hospice setting: Three case studies. [New York University] Dissertation Abstracts International Section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 58(9-A), 3368 Link to record (not fulltext) on NYU library database

Benefits of drama therapy for family and carers

Alby F, Angelici G, Picinotti S & Zucchermaglio C. (2017). A pilot study on an analytic psychodrama group for cancer patients and family members. Rassegna di Psicologia 34(1), 67-77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13133/1974-4854/16668 Fulltext

A small study (n.10 patients and family members) which set out to explore the possible benefits of an analytic psychodrama group in cancer recovery. The authors’ preliminary findings suggest some positive benefits.[1]

The effect of drama therapy on depression in cancer patients

Search strategy

Material published primarily from 2011 to date; English language only; studies of adults. Studies from the UK or countries with comparable health resourcing or systems are prioritised. Database searches and citation linking.

Databases used

Cochrane Library: psychodrama[MeSH] (nil relevancy)
NHS Evidence: “drama therapy” OR psychodrama
PsycInfo: (psychodrama[sh] OR drama therapy[kw]) AND (neoplasms[sh] OR cancer [kw])
PubMed:
- (“Psychodrama”[Mesh] OR ‘drama therapy”[tw]) AND “Neoplasms”[Majr] OR cancer[tw])
Trip medical database: (“drama therapy” OR psychodrama) AND (Cancer OR neoplasms)

[1] There is an associated article about this work, but only the abstract is available in English: Alby F. (2018) Identity and agency in care narratives. Rassegna di Psicologia 35(2): 33-46 doi: https://doi.org/10.13133/1974-4854/16689. Fulltext

The efficacy of music therapy for patients, family and caregivers: selected reading

Music therapy interventions

Bradt J, Dileo C, Magill L, Teague A. (2016) Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 8. Art. No.: CD006911. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006911.pub3. Fulltext

Coelho A, Parola V, Cardoso D, Bravo ME, Apóstolo J et al. (2017) Interventions for comforting patients in palliative care: a scoping review. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 15(7):1867-1904. doi: 10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003204 Abstract

Gallagher LM, Lagman R, Rybicki L. (2018) Outcomes of music therapy interventions on symptom management in palliative medicine patients. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care 35(2):250-257. doi: 10.1177/1049909117696723. Epub 2017 Mar 9. Abstract

Gao Y, Wei Y, Yang W, Jiang L, et al. (2019) The effectiveness of music therapy for terminally ill patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management 57(2):319-329. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.10.504. Epub 2018 Oct 30. Fulltext

Kievisiene J, Jautakyte R, Rauckiene-Michaelsson A, Fatkulina N et al. (2020) The effect of art therapy and music therapy on breast cancer patients: what we know and what we need to find out—a systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2020:7390321 Fulltext

Köhler F, Martin ZS, Hertrampf RS, Gäbel C, et al. (2020) Music therapy in the psychosocial treatment of adult cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology 11:651. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00651. Erratum in: Front Psychol. 2020 Sep 18;11:2095. Fulltext

Kordovan S, Preissler P, Kamphausen A, Bokemeyer C, et al. (2016) Prospective study on music therapy in terminally ill cancer patients during specialized inpatient palliative care. Journal of Palliative Medicine 19(4):394-9. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2015.0384. Epub 2016 Feb 19 Abstract

Lee JH. (2016) The effects of music on pain: a meta-analysis. Journal of Music Therapy 53(4):430-477. doi: 10.1093/jmt/thw012. Epub 2016 Oct 19. Abstract

Li Y, Xing X, Shi X, Yan P, et al. (2020) The effectiveness of music therapy for patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 76(5):1111-1123. doi: 10.1111/jan.14313. Epub 2020 Feb 19. Abstract

McConnell T, Scott D, Porter S. (2016) Music therapy for end-of-life care: An updated systematic review. Palliative Medicine 30(9):877-83. doi: 10.1177/0269216316635387. Epub 2016 Mar 4. Abstract Note that this review (based on 3 papers) found that ‘available evidence did not support the use of music therapy to improve overall quality of life in palliative care.’

Pommeret S, Chrusciel J, Verlaine C. et al. (2019) Music in palliative care: a qualitative study with patients suffering from cancer. BMC Palliative Care 18, 78 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0461-2

Fulltext

Warth M, Keßler J, Hillecke TK, Bardenheuer HJ. (2015) Music therapy in palliative care. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 112(46): 788-94. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2015.0788. Fulltext

Note this article suggests music therapy can be effective in promoting relaxation and wellbeing, and is based on a study of 84 patients (including 11 with pancreatic cancer). See also the Letters tab on the article’s homepage for further correspondence about this study.

Zhang JM, Wang P, Yao JX, Zhao L, et al. (2012) Music interventions for psychological and physical outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 20(12): 3043-53. doi: 10.1007/s00520-012-1606-5. Epub 2012 Oct 2. Abstract

Benefits of music therapy for familyand carers

Gallagher LM, Lagman R, Bates D, Edsall M, et al. (2017) Perceptions of family members of palliative medicine and hospice patients who experienced music therapy. Supportive Care in Cancer 25(6):1769-1778. doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3578-y. Epub 2017 Jan 19 Abstract

O’Callaghan C, Magill L. (2016) Music therapy with adults diagnosed with cancer and their families. In Edwards J (ed.) The Oxford handbook of music therapy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapter précis

O’Callaghan CC, McDermott F, Reid P, Michael N, et al. (2016) Music’s relevance for people affected by cancer: a meta-ethnography and implications for music therapists. Journal of Music Therapy 53(4):398-429. doi: 10.1093/jmt/thw013. Epub 2016 Nov 8. Abstract

Potvin N, Bradt J, Ghetti C. A (2018) Theoretical model of resource-oriented music therapy with informal hospice caregivers during pre-bereavement. Journal of Music Therapy 9;55(1):27-61. doi: 10.1093/jmt/thx019. Abstract

The effect of music therapy on depression in cancer patients

Aalbers S, Fusar‐Poli L, Freeman RE, Spreen M, et al. (2017) Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 11. Art. No.: CD004517. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub3. Fulltext

Gramaglia C, Gambaro E, Vecchi C, Licandro D, et al. (2019) Outcomes of music therapy interventions in cancer patients-A review of the literature. Critical Reviews in Oncology/ Hematology 138:241-254. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 Apr 5. Abstract

Tsai HF, Chen YR, Chung MH, Liao YM, et al. (2014) Effectiveness of music intervention in ameliorating cancer patients’ anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue: a meta-analysis. Cancer Nursing 37(6):E35-50. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000116. Abstract

Search strategy

Databases used

AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine): (music therapy AND neoplasms)[sh]
CareSearch: Systematic review collection: Music therapists (only therapy group covered)
Cochrane Library: (“music therapy” AND cancer)[tw]
PsycInfo: (music therapy AND neoplasms)[sh]
PubMed:
- (“music therap*”[tw] OR music therapy[Majr]) AND (cancer[[tw] OR neoplasms[Majr])
- Cancer AND caregiver AND o (“music therap*”