Creative Arts for NeuroRecovery: A Novel, Student-led, Accessible Approach to Long-term Neurological Recovery and Resilience
Soo Hyun Kim1, Aarthi Vijayakumar1, Katie Gao1, Meeseo Lee1, Audrey Phan1, Kelly Li1, Sheri Kennedy2, David Lin3, Galina Gheihman4
1Harvard Medical School, 2Fusionary Thinking LLC, 3Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 4Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital
Objective:

To describe the formation and early evaluation of the Creative Arts for NeuroRecovery Program, led by a medical student group that promotes holistic healing through creative initiatives. 


Background:

Patients recovering from neurological illness or injury face multiple psychosocial challenges, including depression, anxiety, isolation, and identity loss. Most rehabilitation programs emphasize physical recovery while psychosocial needs remain underserved. To address this gap, medical students partnered with local hospitals to pilot a longitudinal visual arts program.


Design/Methods:

The Creative Arts for NeuroRecovery Program launched in summer 2025, offering free, bimonthly group workshops fostering resilience and connection through guided art-making in community. Sessions are led by a professional artist and supported by medical student volunteers. The virtual format serves patients regardless of location or mobility; art supplies are shipped to patients cost-free to promote equitable access. Sessions incorporate grounding exercises, hands-on activities, and storytelling and are carefully designed to promote creative expression while reinforcing rehabilitation goals including motor coordination, task persistence, and adaptability. Pre-/post-surveys (Likert scale 1-5) assess self-reported mood, wellbeing, confidence, sense of community, and rehabilitation engagement.


Results:

Pilot sessions included a cohort of 15 participants from five states, recruited through two local hospitals. Time since neurologic injury ranged from 3 months to 22 years. Preliminary data suggests that the majority found benefit from program engagement. Participants rated the art workshops highly on enjoyment (mean=4.67), perceived benefit to wellbeing (4.44), and recovery (4.11). Motivation to engage in future rehabilitative care increased after the sessions (3.91→4.11).


Conclusions:

The Creative Arts for NeuroRecovery program empowers patients with neurological illness to redefine recovery and sustain psychosocial wellbeing. This is a feasible, low-cost, scalable model that improves patient outcomes, engages medical students, and enhances understanding of healing through the arts. 


10.1212/WNL.0000000000216307
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.