Embracing a little of the 'Patch Adams' spirit, the Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York has decided to implement an interesting initiative at the benefit of local artists. Although all art forms are an admirable calling, sometimes they simply don't pay the bills. More often than not, artists are self-employed as well, with no insurance for emergencies.
The Woodhull Hospital has come up with a trade-off that will alleviate this conundrum: art for health care. For instance, Amy Duquette, the Artist Access Program Coordinator at Woodhull hospital, explains, "An actor might put on role-playing sessions for staff, helping them rehearse how to break bad news to patients and loved ones."
Bartering Health Care
The Woodhull Hospital Trades Art for Health Care
Trend Themes
1. Bartering Health Care - Woodhull Hospital’s initiative sparks potential for more partnerships between hospitals and local artists.
2. Innovative Payment Methods - The concept of bartering art for healthcare services opens up new payment options and raises questions about the future of healthcare payment systems.
3. Art as Therapy - The integration of art into traditional healthcare settings may pave the way for art to become a more common form of treatment and therapy.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Hospitals and healthcare providers may begin to explore alternative payment methods such as bartering to attract new patients.
2. Art and Design - Broader collaboration between healthcare organizations and artists could lead to more art-focused opportunities and careers.
3. Insurance - The trend towards alternative payment methods and partnerships may lead insurance providers to rethink their healthcare coverage policies.