Robin Philipp

Evaluating the use of poetry to improve well-being and emotional resilience in cancer patients

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of a group poetry therapy intervention with cancer patients utilizing a support center. It was hypothesized that the intervention would increase their emotional resilience and psychological well-being by encouraging the expression of emotions. Design and method. Twelve female patients have participated in the study. In a crossover design, half experienced a series of six weekly poetry groups while the rest acted as controls in a “waiting” period before experiencing the same intervention. Outcome measures. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire pre and posttest, which contained four short scales: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-Mac); the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS); and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory. Results. The hypothesis received partial support. There was a significant decrease in suppression of emotions as measured by the CECS and in anxiety as measured by HADS in those who experienced the poetry intervention. There were no changes on these measures in the control group. Conclusions. It was concluded in this pilot study that a poetry therapy intervention may improve emotional resilience and anxiety levels in cancer patients; however, larger randomized control group trials are needed.

Evaluation of a community arts installation event in support of public health

Aims: This study is set in the context of recent arts and health developments. It evaluates the worth for public health of a ten day community arts installation event held in Bristol, England, in support of new immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Methods: Action research methods were used by members of a creative writing group to elicit among 434 public visitors their free-text reflections on the project and/or their reactions to the event. Based on the three themes of the event, ‘Homes’, ‘Histories’ and ‘Hope’, three independent researchers coded the material for analysis. Results: Participants addressed the theme of hope much more frequently than home or histories. Responses to all three themes were mostly positive. What they hoped was principally for opportunities for themselves and others to be able to enjoy life more and in non-material ways. In all, 45% of them expressed appreciation for the event helping to raise awareness and understanding of the roles of arts and culture in the community. Conclusion: Despite its methodological limitations, the study identified non-material ways individuals can be enabled to feel better supported in society and more positive in their outlooks. From the findings, to help strengthen social capital, community cohesion and constructive citizenship, the outline of a proposed educational tool is presented.

Public health support for refugees and asylum seekers

Dr Robin Philipp, Consultant Occupational and Public Health Physician, and Director of the Centre for Health in Employment and the Environment at Bristol Royal Infirmary, focuses on a disadvantaged group that is too often overlooked

The NHS Constitution values are not always clearly expressed on Trust websites in England

• Prominence given to NHS Constitution core values on Trust websites varies considerably.