OK. So, after I began to think out-loud in response to a comment on a previous post, where @Celestiteblue did point out a need for a clearer picture, so to speak, of what exactly Sketch4Health is about, I have decided to pose 1 question per blog post.
So each post will have one and only one question. I will put my thoughts out there, but I am hoping for some serious brainstorming too!
The Question of the Day: Who is the “target audience?” (i.e. who should receive help accessing a convenient creative outlet first)
Initially I was thinking primarily in-patients and those needing daily hospital treatments for any chronic/severe health conditions. It did occur to me, however, that many hospitals already have some sort of art-therapy like resources available, especially in psychiatric wings and in large teaching hospitals. This is NOT to say that in-patients should be ignored, but I think many people with chronic health problems may be flying under the radar simply because they are doing a bit better.
This leads me to a tentative initial scope of recipients: hospital patients with limited to no access to artistic outlets, community healthcare centers that see a large number of low-income patients and/or medicaid patients, and residents of LTC facilities (Long Term Care facilities) that do not already incorporate art-therapy (or something similar) into a holistic treatment plan.
Once we can define a starting “target group,” we can begin to look at what steps need to be taken in order to actually reach patients/residents and what type of fundraising (not necessarily just monetary donations) is needed/how much…
Ok. YOUR turn! Hopefully one step closer to my goal of being able to define the mission of Sketch 4 Health in one sentence.
Sketch 4 Health 
What about foster kids of all ages? Something that is theirs wherever they go.
Sketching and keeping a sketchbook is considered a vehicle of expression beyond art-therapy. Do you want it to only act as art-therapy tool or would you also like it to be a creative prompting or an expression outlet for groups outside art-therapy? I might be biased but i think everyone’s health would benefit from keeping a sketchbook but if you are asking which groups in particular would benefit then foster kids (that is the term we use in Australia, I’m not sure where you are).
Such a great idea- I definitely feel like everyone could use some art in their lives, and the way you put it- having something permanent that always goes with them- that is perfect. (and we also use the term foster children in the States too- no worries!) Foster children added to the list!
Thanks so much for continuing to follow along- it’s so very appreciated.
Best wishes,
❤ Amy
Hi Amy! Abby introduced me to your project. 🙂 Looks super neat, and I love your enthusiasm! Just wanted to help brainstorm… something that I thought of was, depending on your target population (which I understand is still tentative) you might want to consider that some people could have sensory deficits that would make drawing more difficult… weakness/pain/numbness in their hands, tremors, etc… so you could maybe include adaptive art tools in some of your sketchbook packages for those who would need them, or just sending some separately to each healthcare facility you’ll be working with so they’d have some available. I’m thinking of things like extra-large foam grips that would wrap around writing utensils to make them easier to handle… you can see some examples here: http://www.pattersonmedical.com/app.aspx?cmd=get_subsections&id=57604 , you could maybe make some yourself too. Just a thought. 🙂
This looks pretty similar to a lot of the adaptive devices I saw on rehab during clinicals for CNA school (LOTS of CVA patienst)- they are extremely useful, and I remember being surprised at what a huge difference something so small (and simple looking) could make. Can’t believe I didn’t think of this as a potential issue!
I think you’re right- probably a lot of patients who would benefit from artistic therapy are those that cannot physically do so as easily as everyone else. I think on a facility-by-facility basis the question would need to be asked- do your patients/residents need adaptive devices? If so, how many? And from there, a general estimate could be generated as to how many were needed per facility. That way, who ever is their physical therapist/caregiver/physician/etc. could better instruct them as to how to use the devices- I’m worried that, due to lack of training in physical therapy, I would not be the best person to decide/teach/etc. about these tools. But they definitely should be included if the person receiving the sketchbook needs them- otherwise, what’s the point?
THAnKs SOOOO much! Abby is awesome…. Hehehe 🙂 But you are super awesome for actually popping over to a stranger’s blog and REALLY (and I mean really) helping out!
Best wishes,
❤ Amy
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