By Shannon Kimich
This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection control on visual artwork in pediatric hospitals and hospitals caring for pediatric patients. The study involved five hospitals in three southern America states and addressed visual artwork and art installations. The researcher administered an internet-based survey to participants in job functions related to hospital administration, environmental services, and project management across the facilities and received participation from 18 respondents. Additionally, telephone interviews were conducted with three participants with the job titles project manager/analyst, child-life specialist, and environmental services director. Survey questions were designed to examine visual art programs in selected children’s hospitals and identify artwork utilized, as well as the cleaning and maintenance practices of the artwork to limit the spread of infection. Data gathered revealed hospital staff participants’ knowledge regarding the artwork design and materials, artwork purpose, cleaning standards, and effective cleaning practices for artwork to help better manage art programs for pediatric patients in a safe and effective manner.