Exploring the Role of Visual Art in Healthcare Spaces: A Case Study at the Kentish Town Health Centre

Research has increasingly demonstrated that visual art in healthcare settings can support wellbeing through psychological and physiological benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced care perceptions. However, there remains debate regarding which types of art are most suitable, given the subjectivity of preferences and diversity of healthcare settings. This exploratory case study examined how patient and staff interactions with a waiting room exhibition impact their experiences of the health center environment at a London GP practice.A convergent mixed-methods design captured experiences from staff, patients, and visitors through questionnaires, response forms, and a visitor journal. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative responses underwent inductive thematic analysis.Results indicated staff primarily viewed the exhibition as enhancing aesthetics and providing positive distraction for patients, with no consensus on the importance of specific artistic aspects (Cochran's Q(6) = 21.33, p < .001; Friedman χ²(5) = 4.89, p = .43). Thematic analysis generated four themes per population. Staff themes included workplace viewing patterns affecting engagement and accessibility, broad emotional benefits moderated by preference, appreciation of content and intellectual provocation, and curatorial sensitivity supporting holistic patient care. Patient and visitor themes included contextual significance of medical space, user-dependent emotional and psychological benefits, curiosity and artistry appreciation, and personal relationship to the artist. Cross-population triangulation indicated complex convergence on content appreciation and emotional impact, with distinct considerations emerging based on each group's unique relationship to the healthcare environment.With the exception of a couple negative responses, the exhibition positively influenced user experiences, offering emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic benefits. Overall, carefully curated art that balances intellectual stimulation, emotional benefits, and contextual sensitivity can enhance wellbeing in primary care settings. Recommendations include rotating diverse exhibitions, gathering stakeholder input before commissioning, creating intentional viewing opportunities for staff, and integrating arts programming into healthcare facility design standards.