Patients’ needs and preferences in developing Art-Based Learning in outpatient palliative cancer care: A qualitative study
Marike Geurts, Shailoh R. E. S. Phillips, Fabiola Camuti, Sabrina Kamstra, Jeroen Lutters, Famke Sinninghe Damsté, Silvia Russel, Gerben J. Westerhof, Michael Scherer-Rath, Hanneke W. M. van Laarhoven
Abstract
Art-Based Learning (ABL), an art pedagogical practice, may assist cancer patients by providing a meaningful experience through art viewing. However, little is known about what needs to be considered when developing an exhibition space for ABL in a palliative care setting.
Introduction
The study of art-based practices has become an important aspect of supportive care research for cancer patients receiving palliative care. A body of literature suggests that art-based methods can improve the quality of life of cancer patients in palliative care by reducing anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and nausea [1–8].
Materials and methods
A qualitative research approach was adopted in which patients were asked to participate in a single Art-Based Learning session, either online or in the hospital, followed by a semi-structured interview on the exhibition and the method. In these interviews, the patients could speak from their experience with Art-Based Learning, and were thus seen as experts.
Results
In total 21 patients were approached. Two patients did not meet the inclusion criteria (being able to come to the hospital independently, and have access to a laptop or tablet). One patient was not interested. Three patients missed the Art-Based Learning session due to forgetfulness or unknown reasons.
Discussion
In this study, we aimed at gaining insight in the patients’ needs and preferences that need to be considered when developing an on-site and online art exhibition for Art-Based Learning for patients with incurable cancer.
Conclusion
This study provided an overview, informed by the patient population, of patients’ preferences and values that can guide healthcare providers, art facilitators and art professionals in curating an exhibition aimed at delivering Art-Based Learning.
Citation: Geurts M, Phillips SRES, Camuti F, Kamstra S, Lutters J, Damsté FS, et al. (2026) Patients’ needs and preferences in developing Art-Based Learning in outpatient palliative cancer care: A qualitative study. PLoS One 21(2): e0342436. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0342436
Editor: Peng Liu, Macau University of Science and Technology, MACAO
Received: May 26, 2025; Accepted: January 22, 2026; Published: February 17, 2026
Copyright: © 2026 Geurts et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Data Availability: Anonymized clinical and demographic data used in this study are available in the Supporting information files. The original dataset and the data underlying the qualitative analysis are available upon request for researchers who meet the criteria for access to confidential data. Requests may be directed to the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam (cca@amsterdamumc.nl).
Funding: This study was financially supported by Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA (https://regieorgaan-sia.nl) in the form of a “RAAK-PRO” subsidy award (AAK.PRO04.049) received by JL. No additional external funding was received for this study. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
