An Art Intervention to Promote Comfort with Veterans in Long Term Care: From Not Significant (Ns) To Significance

Abstract

Objectives: The study objective was to promote hospitalized veterans’ comfort through an art intervention (AI). Kolcaba’s comfort theory guided the study. Sample and setting: Researchers recruited residents from a Community Living Center (CLC) at Miami Veterans Administration Healthcare System (MVAHS). Nurse researchers and recreational therapists collaborated to deliver the AI. Methods and variables: A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design tested the AI on veteran comfort, depression, and social connectedness. Results: Over six-months, staff identified 81 residents as appropriate to recruit for the study. Fifty-one males and 10 females (ages 26-95) agreed (75% response rate). Due to data collection challenges, residents’ cognition, time constraints, disabilities, and respondent burden, only 18 sets of usable pre-post data were available for analysis (ns results). Implications for nursing: The AI was “significant” to many other participants (n = 160) who were unable or unwilling to complete the research instruments. The most popular AI activity, the monoprint, has been “adopted” by recreational therapists and suggested to enhance communication with oncology patients. Kolcaba’s comfort theory will continue to be promoted during art activities on CLC I and II with extension of art activities to the bedside of CLC III Hospice residents. Keywords: Veterans, Art, Intervention, Comfort, Long Term Care