'Healing message' of arts

Recent research conducted by the Arts Council in England has showed that relaxing music has beneficial effect on anxiety, slows down the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, enhances the immune response and lessens pain perception, Health Minister Louis Deguara said.

Also, a survey conducted by the National Commission for Mental Health revealed that more than half of respondents think that art and music therapy should be introduced in mental health services, he added.

Dr Deguara was speaking at the opening of a Valletta Creative Forum seminar on Art and Health - the Well-Being of Maltese Society, at Mount Carmel Hospital in Attard on Saturday.

The forum allowed local policy makers in the arts and health spheres, artists and health practitioners to discuss best practices, strategies and research in the field.

Dr Deguara said the introduction of arts in mental health care helps the patient to find ways of self expression and communication. Music in waiting rooms has been shown to reduce stress in patients, visitors and staff which clearly shows how the arts can have direct effects on clinical outcomes, mental healthcare, customer care, staff morale, job satisfaction and health promotion.

"Using a rock band to deliver an anti-smoking message, a children's theatre company to alleviate the psychological pain of young cancer patients, or professional art therapists for long-term therapeutic interventions are simple examples of how the arts can be utilised to deliver a healing message," he added.

Drama and music can also be marketed to promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being among school children.

Dr Deguara said the government has already started to implement successful initiatives and one of these is the Mater Dei Healing Arts Committee.

Their work has allowed numerous MCAST students and artists to contribute with their talents to offer a pleasant environment for the new hospital.

He also encouraged other hospitals, health NGOs and charities to include art projects in their plans.

The University of Malta, the Institute of Health Care and the Medical School can also contribute through specific training methods that include the arts in health as a module to develop better health practices, he said.