• A 2007 national survey about arts programs in healthcare institutions conducted by The Joint Commission—which accredits the nation’s 22,000 hospitals and healthcare entities—showed that nearly half (49%) have active arts programs, and all indicators point to a larger percentage today. When hospital administrators were asked, “Why the arts,” chief among the responses were that they aid in the mental and emotional recovery of patients (80%) as well as their physical recovery (41%).
• Many programs extend beyond the patients to strengthen the entire healing system: 80% serve patients directly, 58% include the patient’s family, and 42% are for staff to help them deal with workplace stress. Arts programs in hospitals have even been shown to reduce nursing staff turnover.
• A landmark study published in The Gerontologist revealed that weekly arts participation (singing in a choral group) by persons aged 65 and older resulted in better physical and mental health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage than the study’s non-singing control group. In fact, comparing just medication use and doctor visits, the individuals who sang in the chorus had an annual savings of $172.91 per year, per participant. Incorporating the arts into elder care can add up to huge savings for Medicare, private insurers, and individuals.
• In addition to humanizing the hospital environment, there is a growing body of research that demonstrates the economic benefits of arts in healthcare programs, including shorter hospital stays, less medication, and fewer doctor visits. 

Source: Americans for the Arts, 2021.