Blending art and science in nurse education; the benefits and impact of creative partnerships

Aims and objectives This project aimed to explore the benefits and impact of engaging year one nursing student's in life sciences through art. The overall objective was to increase the students' confidence in life sciences... [ view full abstract ]

Aims and objectives
This project aimed to explore the benefits and impact of engaging year one nursing student's in life sciences through art.
The overall objective was to increase the students' confidence in life sciences and their knowledge and understanding of the cells, organs and tissues of the human body.

Description of innovation
This pilot project was funded through a teaching innovation award and facilitated by lecturers in nurse education in partnership with an artist from an Arts and Health Charity.
Recruited students participated in a series of four workshops designed to explore the cells, tissues and organs of the human body through felt. Felting involves manually teasing out individual wool fibres, which can then be reconstructed to form intricate designs before being finally bonded together. The technique engages all of the senses and provided an excellent medium for kinaesthetic learning.
Students were encouraged to keep a reflective journal throughout the project to capture their experience and learning.

Impact of innovation
The creative process transformed the students' learning of the cells, tissues and organs of the human body, creating striking art works and memorable mental images.
Students reported increased knowledge about the cells, tissues and organs studied and an overall increase in confidence to study life science.The opportunity to engage in novel active kinesthetic learning of a challenging subject was welcomed.
Staff and students also experienced the benefits of engaging in creative activities to their personal wellbeing. The project culminated in a unique body of work, which is currently on tour across Northern Ireland in healthcare facilities and galleries.

Conclusions and implications
Life science can be challenging for students who lack confidence in their ability in this subject area. Nurse educators need to explore and evaluate different methods of delivery of these important topics to enhance current curricula.Creative partnerships have the ability to enhance and transform student learning.