Aesthetics sets patients 'free' to recover during hospitalization with a neurological disease. A qualitative study. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beck, Malene; Engelke, Eileen; Birkelund, Regner; Martinsen, Bente
• Is Part Of: International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being. Volume 16:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Hospital environment -- sensory impression -- aesthetics -- phenomenology -- van manen; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 362.1072
• DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1992843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2623

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Patients with neurological symptoms are particularly sensitive to the quality of the sensory impressions to which they are exposed to during hospitalization. Aim: To understand the meaning of aesthetic experiences to patients afflicted with neurological diseases during hospitalization on a neurological unit. Method: Fifteen patients were invited to "walk and talk" supplemented by semi-structured interviews conducted in newly established aesthetic tableaus within the neurology unit. Data analysis was inspired by the hermeneutic phenomenological methodology of van Manen. Result: The data analysis identified three overarching themes that unfolded in the patients' experiences of a more aesthetic environment. The themes were: 1) A safe place to avoid noisiness, 2) An invitation to homey activities, 3) A thoughtful consideration for being ill. Conclusion: Aesthetic elements can enable a thoughtful and needed consideration that withholds momentarily imaginative and hopeful experiences to patients in a vulnerable situation. Thus, aesthetics, together with peace and quietness, can set vulnerable patients free to retreat and recover from the symptoms of neurological diseases.