Many of the issues faced in modern society are complex and multi-factorial, and require creative and collaborative approaches to find solutions. This not only includes challenges relating to health but also social, environmental and economic ones. Interdisciplinary research over the last few decades has provided compelling evidence that drawing on the potential of the Arts is likely to further our understanding of health and produce more effective health interventions.<\/p>\n
There is a growing body of evidence for using arts-based approaches in healthcare. The Arts have been shown to open up lines of communication and improve patient engagement with their treatment, so it is no surprise that referrals to social prescribing programmes are rising \u2013 with a target of 900,000 social prescriptions by 2023\/24 (NHS England<\/a>)<\/p>\n Some ways that arts can directly benefit health include:<\/p>\n Watch Dr Ranjita Dhital discussing the health benefits of getting creative in this 2 minute video:<\/p>\n\n