The Impact of Artistic Representation on Patient Consent and Autonomy

The Impact of Artistic Representation on Patient Consent and Autonomy
Alberta Jeanne N.
Eurasian Experiment Journal of Scientific and Applied Research, 2024; 6(2)
Open Access
Abstract
Informed consent is fundamental to respecting patient autonomy in healthcare, ensuring that patients make voluntary, well-informed decisions about their treatment. However, consent processes can be hindered by communication barriers, time constraints, and differences in understanding complex medical information. Artistic representations in healthcare ranging from visual arts and music to theater—have emerged as potential tools to enhance patient comprehension and emotional engagement with medical procedures. This paper examines how various forms of art in healthcare environments may influence patient consent and autonomy. It considers the psychological, communicative, and therapeutic impacts of art, proposing that art can support consent by fostering deeper understanding and empathy between patients and healthcare providers. Four theoretical frameworks psychological impact, communicative theory, therapeutic influence, and autonomy in healthcare are analyzed to assess the efficacy of artistic representations in supporting patient-centered consent. By synthesizing empirical studies on artistic strategies in clinical settings, this article highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to patient autonomy and explores the ethical implications of integrating art into consent processes.