Cultivating Creativity: The Role of Art and Visual Thinking Strategies to Support Community and Resilience for Healthcare Professionals

The Creative Wellness Workshop Series, co-developed by Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) at the University of Oregon (UO), addresses the growing need for staff support in healthcare. Health professionals frequently face significant challenges, including burnout, emotional stress, and feelings of isolation in high-pressure environments. Recognizing the arts' potential to foster resilience, connection, and emotional decompression, this series integrates art-based approaches to provide relief and enhance peer support for medical staff, faculty, and clinicians at OHSU. Key components of the initiative include Art Walks and Creative Decompress workshops that employ Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), creating structured opportunities for slow looking, self-reflection, and shared experiences. This study examines the effectiveness of VTS in reducing burnout, promoting community, and enhancing well-being among healthcare professionals. This collaboration is part of the broader "Art Heals" initiative at the JSMA, which leverages art as a tool for resilience and education in healthcare settings. In response to increasing demands and stressors in healthcare, these workshops aim to equip professionals with skills that support emotional resilience, a sense of belonging, and methods for decompression. The program aligns with OHSU’s strategic wellness goals and complements the “Creative Wellness” initiative led by the OHSU Wellness Leadership Team. Additionally, it aligns with UO’s mission to foster resources that enhance well-being and connection.