A qualitative study was undertaken on the art cart program in St. Luke's- one of the oldest art cart programs in hospitals. The Auxiliary is in charge of the program where volunteers visit all patient rooms once in two weeks to give them a choice of artwork to be placed on the walls.

During the study we evaluated the logistics of undertaking an art cart program, the response from patients, and how art became a facilitator of conversation between the patient and the volunteer, impacting the impression of "care" by the St. Luke's system. Overall the art cart program served as an excellent means of providing a supportive environment for patients by providing a positive distraction, a sense of control and social support.

Presented at HCD '06, HCD'07 (Healthcare Design Conference)
Published in Healthcare Design Magazine (Sep07)
PDF Available