Effects of Rehabilitation and Hospital Art on Mood of Inpatients in a Rehabilitation Ward: A Preliminary Study

INTRODUCTION: Improvements in activities of daily living are closely linked to patients' moods. While hospital art has been reported to have a positive influence on mood, its effectiveness in rehabilitation settings remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of rehabilitation and hospital art on mood improvement in patients admitted to a rehabilitation ward. METHODS: Thirty patients were assessed using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews at two time points, once before admission and then one week after hospitalization. Mood was measured using a visual analog scale, and interviews explored the perceived reasons behind mood changes. RESULTS: A significant improvement in mood was observed at the one-week mark following hospitalization (p=0.0389; 95% confidence interval: 0.51 to 18.22; Cohen's d=0.44). Rehabilitation was the most frequently cited factor contributing to improved mood. Some patients also referenced aspects of the care environment, including hospital art, while responding to the questionnaire. However, analysis of the interviews suggested a little association between rehabilitation and hospital art, indicating that hospital art had only a limited effect on mood improvement. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation emerged as the primary driver of mood improvement, although hospital art may have provided a limited supplementary effect. A positive treatment environment may enhance mood and support better functional outcomes.