Art therapy to reduce burnout and mental distress in healthcare professionals in acute hospitals: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Burnout and mental distress are prevalent among healthcare professionals (HCPs), particularly in acute hospital settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured group art therapy intervention in reducing burnout and associated mental distress in HCPs.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, unblinded, randomised, parallel assignment, waitlist-controlled trial in four National Health Service secondary care hospitals in London, UK, between 4 May 2023 and 5 March 2024. A total of 129 HCPs with moderate-to-severe risk of burnout or levels of perceived stress were randomly assigned to either group art therapy (6 weekly 90-min sessions) or a waitlist control.The primary outcome was change in emotional exhaustion as a core dimension of burnout, measured usi

SUBMITTER: Tjasink M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320087 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature