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Examples of evidence

Studies of creative health approaches in preventing ill health show:

  • There was a 40% reduction in GP appointments among patients using a social prescribing service focused on CVD risk and mental health [1]
  • Cultural engagement is associated with a reduced risk of becoming frail and a slower progression of frailty over time [2], [3]
  • Movement and dance reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and saves £157 million annually [4]

Image Credit: Stroke Odysseys, Rosetta Life © Foteini Christofilopoulou [cropped photo]

Creative health in practice

In line with the NHS action plan to reduce inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers, patients in Gloucestershire have been referred to creative activities such as dance and music.

In 2022-23, 96% of participants in Artlift’s Living Well with Chronic Pain creative programme reported a statistically meaningful improvement in general wellbeing. There was an average 16% increase in ability to self-manage pain. Over two years, 37% reported a decrease in GP attendance. 

Sessions were co-produced with researchers, pain management specialists, NHS Gloucestershire ICB chronic pain managers and people with lived experience of chronic pain as part of NHS Gloucestershire’s Test and Learn Programme. Programmes include activities such as crafting, music, painting, creative writing, dance and puppet making. Patients can self-refer or be referred by any professional working with people with chronic pain.

For the full story of this initiative see our creative health review

“When I first started to experience pain, getting out of the house became more difficult and I found myself becoming isolated. Discovering the Music Works has really helped with the mental health impact of my pain, it’s something that I enjoy, and it is something that I really look forward to.”

- Participant referred to Artlift’s Living Well with Chronic Pain Music Works drop-in session

Where next?

The NCCH has worked in partnership with NHS England to develop a Creative Health Toolkit, which includes examples of how creative health approaches enhance preventative programmes and support population health with:

The National Centre for Creative Health

NCCH supports health and care sector professionals in organisations and systems to achieve the benefits of creative health approaches for patients and service users.

We publish a monthly newsletter especially created for professionals working across health and care. Please do subscribe here and/or share with colleagues working across Primary Care, Provider Trusts, ICBs, Public Health, Social Care and across the NHS, so they can access the latest news for creative health!

Downloadable information

Download this information sheet in PDF format

  1. Polley, M, Seers, H, Toye, O, Henkin, T, Waterson, H, Bertotti, M, Chatterjee, H. Building the economic case for social prescribing
    report. National Academy for Social Prescribing. 2023 October. p.47. Available from:
    socialprescribingacademy.org.uk

  2. Fancourt D, Warran K, Aughterson H. Evidence Summary for Policy: The role of arts in improving health & wellbeing. London: UCL;
    2020 September. p.27. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evidence-summary-for-policy-the-role-of-arts-in-improving-health-and-wellbeing

  3. Rogers NT, Fancourt D. Cultural Engagement Is a Risk-Reducing Factor for Frailty Incidence and Progression. Neupert S, editor. J
    Gerontol Ser B. 2020 Feb 14;75(3):571–6. DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz004

  4. Boardman R, Balfour A, Farmer C, Hopkins S, Stamp K. Social Value of Movement and Dance. London: Sport + Recreation Alliance.
    2023 February. Available from: https://sramedia.s3.amazonaws.com/media/documents/f393c7e4-5096-499a-9723-60824b6629ac.pd