Using Museum Objects to Improve Wellbeing in Mental Health Service Users and Neurological Rehabilitation Clients

Abstract

Introduction: The study investigated the impact of museum object handling sessions on hospital clients receiving occupational therapy in neurological rehabilitation and in an older adult acute inpatient mental health service. Methods: The research used a qualitative approach based on objectivist and constructionist methods, from which themes typical of the object handling sessions were derived. Results: Themes emerging from detailed analysis of discourse involving clients (n = 82) and healthcare staff (n = 8) comprised: distraction and decreasing negative emotion; increasing vitality and participation; tactile stimulation; conversational and social skills; increasing a sense of identity; novel perspectives and thoughts; learning new things; enjoyment and positive emotion. Critical success factors included good session facilitation for mitigating insecurity, ward staff support and the use of authentic heritage objects. Conclusion: Museums and their collections can be a valuable addition to cultural and arts occupations, in particular for long-stay hospital clients.