Art brightens up kidney dialysis

[okarol]

Art brightens up kidney dialysis

Last Updated: Wednesday, 30 January 2008, 11:35 GMT

Chronic kidney patients forced to endure gruelling five-hour dialysis sessions are having their boredom eased by an innovative art project.

Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock introduced the unique scheme to brighten up the mundane hours patients spend hooked up to dialysis machines.

Some patients have had to learn to draw left-handed because their right arm is attached to the machine.

The art has been professionally framed and hung in the hospital corridor.

The artists have produced a mixed media collection including watercolours and line drawings, with patients with sight problems creating sound recordings.


   "Patients can get quite depressed, and the project was aimed to take away that mundane time of being connected to a dialysis machine"
             ~ Dr Mun Woo

The idea was the brainchild of locum consultant and art lover Dr Mun Woo, who has submitted a report detailing its benefits to patients to this year's British Renal Society Conference in Glasgow.

Examples of the art work will also be exhibited at the conference.

Dr Woo explained that being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and then starting treatment is a major disruption to a patient's lifestyle.

Similar initiatives are in place for geriatric and brain injury patients, but never before in a renal ward.

Dr Woo added: "Patients can get quite depressed, and the project was aimed to take away that mundane time of being connected to a dialysis machine.

"The first reaction from patients ranged from 'I'm not very good' to 'my last experience of art was at school'.

"But once approached by the professionals, patients became really enthusiastic. They had something to keep themselves occupied and talk to one another about during treatment.

"I've even heard one patient express surprise that their treatment had ended so quickly because they hadn't finished their picture."

Positive improvement

Patient Willie Nolan, 58, who has been undergoing haemodialysis for seven months, said learning to draw caricatures had helped him stay positive during his treatment.

Mr Nolan, from Greenock, added: "I have dialysis three times a week for five hours at a time so boredom can be a bit of an issue - there is only so much daytime television you can take.

"I am having to do it all with my left hand because I am attached to the machine, which has been a bit of a challenge.

"But it has got to the stage that I am now actually looking forward to my dialysis sessions. It is great fun and helps you get to know the other patients and staff better."

Analysis of the project showed a positive improvement in the mental well-being of participants.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7216119.stm

Published: 2008/01/30 11:35:05 GMT

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