Arts in Medicine

About Arts in Medicine

UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM) strives to transform the care environment and enhance well-being and healing through creative arts experiences for patients, families, and staff. Integrating the arts into the health care environment has been shown to benefit patients and caregivers in the following ways:

• Reduced stress levels
• Reduction in perceived pain
• Improved mood
• Distraction from medical problems
• Increased self-expression
• Increased self-confidence

AIM offers the following activities at the bedside or in group workshops:

• Storytelling
• Painting
• Hand-sewing/embroidery
• Relaxation/meditation
• Movement/dance
• Expressive Writing & Poetry
• Personalized art projects
• Delivery of customized art kits, coloring pages, art supplies, jokes, brain games, etc.

A partnership between UAB Medicine and UAB Visual and Performing Arts, AIM underscores UAB’s commitment to patient-centered care. Started in 2013, the program provides services on a rotating schedule to a growing number of UAB Medicine units.

Patients receiving inpatient treatment (or their family members) may request an Arts in Medicine referral from a member of their care team or by contacting AIM directly. AIM can provide an activity with an artist-in-residence or simply a delivery of requested art supplies. AIM programs are available to patients and family members of all ages and ability levels. Once a request has been made, an artist will be in contact within 24-48 hours.

The AIM office is located in Room 115B of Jefferson Tower.

UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM) programs are available to patients and families of all ages and ability levels through referral only at this time; the goal is to respond within 24 hours. For those seeking more casual participation in the program, staff members may request a simple delivery of art supplies to their patients.

For referrals and more information, dial 205.934.8275 or email us at artsinmedicine@uabmc.edu

Arts in Medicine Resources