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Rome Hospital Uses Art Therapy for Cancer Patients
21 Oct
Summary
- Art therapy aims to enhance cancer patients' 'desire for life'.
- Patients can view ancient ruins and art during treatments.
- Guided city tours are offered to patients and their loved ones.
A unique approach at a Rome hospital is employing art therapy to bolster cancer patients' will to live. The Tiberina Island Gemelli hospital, known for its maternity ward, has established a state-of-the-art cancer center incorporating cultural elements into patient care. This initiative aims to counter the existential impact of a cancer diagnosis by fostering a renewed 'desire for life'.
Patients undergoing treatment can immerse themselves in art, with therapy areas featuring contemporary artwork and historical artifacts, including a 3rd-century BC shrine. During radiotherapy, patients can view stunning Roman landmarks like the Baths of Caracalla and the Colosseum on high-resolution screens. Interactive displays allow them to choose accompanying music and imagery, actively engaging their resilience mechanisms.
Beyond the hospital grounds, patients and their families are offered guided tours of Rome's emblematic monuments, such as the Colosseum and Palazzo Colonna. This holistic strategy aims to improve patient outcomes, with the hope of eventually normalizing art prescriptions as a therapeutic tool in Italy, mirroring successful models elsewhere.
