The study investigated the impact of museum object handling sessions on hospital clients receiving occupational therapy in neurological rehabilitation and in an older adult acute inpatient mental health service.
Methods:
The research used a qualitative approach based on objectivist and constructionist methods, from which themes typical of the object handling sessions were derived.
Results:
Themes emerging from detailed analysis of discourse involving clients (n = 82) and healthcare staff (n = 8) comprised: distraction and decreasing negative emotion; increasing vitality and participation; tactile stimulation; conversational and social skills; increasing a sense of identity; novel perspectives and thoughts; learning new things; enjoyment and positive emotion. Critical success factors included good session facilitation for mitigating insecurity, ward staff support and the use of authentic heritage objects.
Conclusion:
Museums and their collections can be a valuable addition to cultural and arts occupations, in particular for long-stay hospital clients.
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