The Art of Pain Relief: How Museums May Help Address Chronic Pain

A Pilot Study of Art Museum Tours to Decrease Pain and Social Disconnection Among Individuals with Chronic Pain

Art museum tours for individuals with chronic pain are feasible, and participants reported positive effects on perceived social disconnection and pain.

Art Rx provided 1-hour docent-led tours in an art museum to individuals with chronic pain. Survey data were collected pre-tour, immediately post-tour, and at three weeks post-tour. Pain intensity and unpleasantness were measured with a 0–10 numerical rating scale. Social disconnection was measured with a 12-item social disconnection scale. Participants also reported percent pain relief during the tour and program satisfaction in the post-tour survey. Change in pain and social disconnection was analyzed with paired t tests, bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap confidence intervals (BCa CIs), and Cohen’s d. Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with participants explored the feasibility and perceived impact of the program.