The Use of Art‑Based Interventions in the Care of Patients in Health‑Care Institutions in Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Background: Arts-based Interventions involve the use of aesthetic engagements, sensory activation, evocation of emotion and cognitive stimulation and involvement of the imagination, to promote wellbeing. This include a wide range of practices, from prehistoric traditions to the modern day evidence based usage of different forms of arts for therapeutic purposes. Despite the early recognition and proven efficacy of art-based interventions, an organized structure for integration of art into healthcare is lacking in Nigeria. Aim: This review aims to explore and describe the existing literature on the use of various art forms in the care of patients in health care institutions in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was done. MEDLINE, Embase, African Index Medicus and PsycINFO were searched using the following key words; art in medicine in Nigeria, art therapy in Nigeria and art in health in Nigeria. The search results were screened for articles using predefined criteria. A hand search for articles and communication with Arts in Medicine Project Nigeria were also done. The articles included in the review were read and summarized using a proforma. Result: Overall there is a sparseness of academic articles on the use and effectiveness of arts-based interventions in the management of patients in health care institutions in Nigeria. The most commonly applied art forms are music and visual arts.