Environment & Hospitality

Enhancing the Patient Experience through Live Entertainment

a musical instruments on a surface, showcasing tools of live entertainment

This paper explores innovative strategies for integrating music and the arts into patient experience initiatives across healthcare settings. Drawing from real-world examples and best practices, it offers practical guidance on the importance of incorporating live entertainment into care environments, as well as tips on effectively coordinating performances and recruiting talented musicians to participate in these efforts.

Author and healthcare journalist Richard L. Cohen emphasizes the profound and multifaceted impact of human interaction through music and the arts—highlighting how such experiences can bring joy to patients, uplift their spirits, and positively influence attitudes and emotional well-being. Through compelling storytelling and evidence-informed recommendations, the paper underscores that entertainment is far more than a distraction—it is a therapeutic and transformative element that contributes to healing. As healthcare organizations strive to deliver more holistic, compassionate care, this paper serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role the arts can play in enhancing the overall patient experience.