Infusion of Life: patient perceptions of expressive therapy during chemotherapy sessions

Abstract

Through a quanti-qualitative study, we observed the effects of group expressive therapy (ET) sessions on patients' feelings and sense of well-being, as part of the Infusion of Life project. This project is part of a broader programme to improve integral care, developed by an interdisciplinary team headed by a medical doctor who is also an artist and expert in ET. We offered 48 group ET sessions to a total of 253 outpatients with cancer or autoimmune disorders receiving venous infusions in the chemotherapy room of University Hospital Antonio Pedro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The qualitative analysis showed that the programme was a pleasant way to spend time, revived their sense of humour, relieved symptoms, provided meaningful experiences, improved their relationships with staff, enabled expression of their feelings, stimulated them to be creative, improved coping resources and reorganisation of the psyche, and renewed their perspective on life. Family and spirituality were major sources of support. Expressive therapy was shown to be flexible and applicable in small spaces, using recycled materials, even with patients with restrained movements; it can also offer great benefits with relatively small investments if a qualified team is in charge of planning, executing, and auditing the work.