Clowns at the hospital environment: report of health professionals who participated in interventions

• Grant number: 11/22279-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Bruno José Barcellos Fontanella
• Grantee: Rafael da Motta Ramos Siqueira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

To understand the meanings assigned by health professionals concerning the clown's art performed in a hospital environment. Specific objectives: to analyze and interpret reports from health professionals looking for some understanding about: a) their views on possible changes perceived in themselves and in their professional practices in the hospital environment, b) their reactions, views and ideas about the clown's art c) their interpretations about transforming the hospital environment with arts and humor performances into the hospital. Method: Given the study purpose, the qualitative approach will be located in the realm of psychologically and culturally constructed meaning. After collecting data through semistructured individual interview technique, the reports will be transcribed, forming a corpus that will have its content analyzed (through thematic analysis and statements). Finally, both theoretical anthropology of health and the health psychology will be used in discussion of results. Outcomes: a deeper understanding about the psychocultural meanings of the issue of clown's performances and art into the hospitals. The results may help to bring theoretical foundation wich supports not only this kind of scenic art but also the work of management and hospital management, in order to allow it or not in their respective health facilities. The results may also contribute to the conceptual validity and construction of standardized instruments that may be used in epidemiological studies on the impact of the clown's arts and performances on the healthcare professionals involved. (AU)'