Feasibility study “Educ’Art-Ped”: Impact assessment of art therapy on diabetic children’s caregivers’ quality of life

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of diabetes in children impacts the Quality of Life (QoL) of parents. Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) programs could mobilize several disciplines, including art therapy, to accompany these children and their caregivers. AIM: To determine the impact of art therapy on the QoL of caregivers of children with diabetes. METHODS: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted. Art therapy workshops were conducted by two therapists (facilitator and observer). A mixed analysis was performed: quantitative analysis of the evolution of the Qvie score “PedsQL Family Impact Module”, and qualitative analysis of the comments reported by the observer. RESULTS: A total of 15 non-exposed and 17 exposed caregivers participated. We found no significant difference between the mean evolution of Qvie scores of the two groups (p = 0.2). However, art therapists reported a gradual improvement of caregivers’ communication skills. They also noted a “letting go” acquisition and a punctual occultation of diabetes. DISCUSSION: This study identified four methodological levers on: (a) inclusion; (b) therapeutic framework; (c) choice of tools and timelines for evaluation; (d) data management. CONCLUSION: The organization of art therapy workshops in the new salutogebnic health promotion platform “Vie La Santé” will facilitate the implementation of Educ’Art-Ped2 study