For Barts Health NHS Trust staff, being there for patients through the ups and downs of hospital life can carry a lot of responsibility. This can often lead to staff burnout, which has an impact on mental health and wellbeing.
We’re proud to support wellbeing initiatives for NHS staff across our East London hospitals; helping those who work tirelessly day in, day out, caring for others.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work of Megan Tjasink, an Art Psychotherapist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Following a successful pilot in 2016, Megan was awarded a Barts Charity Clinical Research Training Fellowship to find out if art therapy sessions could support the wellbeing of Barts Health staff.
A piece of artwork made during art therapy
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage to help individuals explore emotions, reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and resolve psychological conflicts. It offers a non-verbal outlet for processing trauma, grief, stress, or mental health challenges.
“The artwork guided me rather than me deciding what to do. I enjoyed switching my brain off and fly freely.”Barts Health NHS Trust staff member and art therapy participant
Improving lives and minds
Participants took part in six weekly 90-minute art therapy sessions, with each workshop having a specific focus and set of aims.
The sessions have offered staff a chance to step away from the pressures of clinical life and engage in mindful, creative activities. In a safe and welcoming space, participants were able to reflect, share, and reconnect – with themselves and with each other.
Ever since her research began, the feedback from staff has been incredible.
“Making art has helped improve patient interactions. When we are given the chance to explore the full human experience for ourselves, it is easier to remember the humanity in others.”ICU anaesthetist
The results are in – and they’re remarkable
Results from the first controlled trial detailing the incredible impact of group art therapy have now been published.
Out of 129 doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from across Barts Health hospitals:
- 98% found the sessions helpful
- 100% would recommend them to colleagues
Compared to the control group, participants showed significant reductions in:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Depersonalisation (burnout)
- Stress, anxiety and depression
A piece of artwork made during art therapy
Megan is now working alongside the Psychological Support Service team, to help bring the benefits of art therapy to even more staff members across our hospitals.
“I am deeply grateful to Barts Charity for supporting this research. What inspired me most during the trial was the creativity and courage of my colleagues, who were willing to try something new, to be open, to take risks, and to share with one another. In doing so, they created a unique, psychologically safe space reflection and connection."Megan Tjasink