Aesthetics sets patients ‘free’ to recover during hospitalization with a neurological disease. A qualitative study

Abstract

Background Patients with neurological symptoms are particularly sensitive to the quality of the sensory impressions to which they are exposed to during hospitalization. Aim To understand the meaning of aesthetic experiences to patients afflicted with neurological diseases during hospitalization on a neurological unit. Method Fifteen patients were invited to “walk and talk” supplemented by semi-structured interviews conducted in newly established aesthetic tableaus within the neurology unit. Data analysis was inspired by the hermeneutic phenomenological methodology of van Manen. Result The data analysis identified three overarching themes that unfolded in the patients’ experiences of a more aesthetic environment. The themes were: 1) A safe place to avoid noisiness, 2) An invitation to homey activities, 3) A thoughtful consideration for being ill. Conclusion Aesthetic elements can enable a thoughtful and needed consideration that withholds momentarily imaginative and hopeful experiences to patients in a vulnerable situation. Thus, aesthetics, together with peace and quietness, can set vulnerable patients free to retreat and recover from the symptoms of neurological diseases.

Keywords

• hospital environment
• sensory impression
• aesthetics
• phenomenology
• van manen