Photography Robert Little

Researchers and curators from University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Arts have established a unique programme called 'Heritage in Hospitals' funded by the AHRC (Award No: AH/G000506/1). The main aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of museum object handling on the wellbeing of patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Objects used for handling comprise archaeological artefacts, artworks, and geology and natural history specimens from UCL Museums & Collections. Handling sessions consist of one-to-one, bedside sessions in the hospital where participants are invited to discuss and explore an array of six museum objects (top image). Participants comprise patients from UCH wards for acute and elderly care, gynaecology and oncology, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) Albany Ward for rehabilitation, and the Oxford Enablement Unit (OEU). The project uses a standard NHS consent form and a Patient Information Leaflet (MREC No: 06/Q0505/78).

To evaluate the impact of the handling sessions, measures are taken pre-session to provide baseline data and post-session for comparison consequently participants act as their own controls. Measures consist of the Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) mood adjective list (Watson, Clark and Tellegen, 1988) and two Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for wellbeing and happiness (EuroQol Group, 1990). Comparison of pre- and post-session PANAS measures show a highly significant increase in positive mood and decrease in negative mood. Improvements in mood are slightly more marked in female than male participants. There are also highly significant increases in the direct measures of wellbeing and happiness and these correlate with measures of positive mood. There are no significant effects of facilitator or object selection.

The research aims to link these positive outcomes with wellbeing. It is likely that as a result of engagement with the museum objects, patients are distracted from their clinical surroundings and feel healthier and happier. Findings from the quantitative analysis correspond with participants' comments, for example, prior to the handling session some patients reported feeling quite nervous or anxious while waiting for clinical procedures but after the session reported the activity had taken their mind off the medical treatment. Further studies need to be carried out to explore the impact of museum object handling on a greater variety of patients as well as their carers and staff. Findings from the current study will contribute to a best practice guide for museum and care worker training.