Authors (including presenting author) :
Chang CM (1), Mao KF (1), Tsang SW (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Pain Management Unit, Department of Anaesthesia and Operating Theatre Services, New Territories West Cluster
Keyword 1: :
Pastel Nagomi
Keyword 2: :
Art and pain
Introduction :
Chronic pain is a complex condition that affects various aspects of a patient — limiting mobility, disturbing sleep, and impacting mood, confidence, work, and social life. It is often linked with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, which can worsen the pain experience.
While pain may not always be fully controlled, the impact it has on life can be reduced. Focusing on wellbeing and healthy coping strategies can help people feel more in control and improve their quality of life. Studies show that engaging in the arts can support emotional health, life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning — all of which help people manage pain more effectively.
Why Pastel Nagomi Art (PNA)? It is a simple, easy and soothing art form using colorful chalk pastels and finger-painting. It encourages mindfulness, non-judgmental self-expression, emotional expression, relaxation and self-appreciation,
Since December 2024, the NTWC Pain Nurse Team has introduced PNA workshops for chronic pain patients to explore its potential in enhancing emotional wellbeing.
Objectives :
To examine the effects of PNA on emotional wellbeing by evaluating changes in positive and negative affect among individuals living with chronic pain, independent of pain intensity.
Methodology :
In 2024, an evidence-based practice project was launched to explore how PNA might impact pain levels and emotional wellbeing. Although there is limited research specifically on PNA, there is strong evidence supporting the benefits of art-based activities for people living with chronic pain. Since Nagomi is a gentle and expressive form of art, the pain nurse team decided to introduce it as a supportive activity for patients. Workshops were held at the NTWC Pain Clinic and open to all interested patients. Posters around the clinic encouraged participation. Each session included pre and post-workshop assessments using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) — a validated 20-item tool that measures short-term positive and negative emotions on a 1–5 scale.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 32 patients (30 females and 2 males), aged 43 to 83 (average age about 65), took part in six PNA workshops. All participants completed their artwork and provided PANAS scores before and after each session. The results showed clear emotional improvements. On average, positive emotions increased from 25.81 to 35.16, while negative emotions dropped from 26.59 to 18.00. These changes were both statistically and clinically significant, suggesting that PNA helped boost mood and reduce negative feelings in people living with chronic pain.
Nursing implications:
Under the biopsychosocial model of pain, coping skills and emotional wellbeing are crucial to how individuals experience and manage chronic pain. Pain nurses play a vital role in supporting these aspects, helping patients improve their quality of life through holistic and personalized care.
Given the positive outcomes, it is worth integrating PNA classes into routine pain nurse care to further support emotional wellbeing and enhance the overall patient experience.
