The art of survival: unleashing the talents of end stage renal disease patients to increase their wellness.

Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) often suffer compromised self-esteem and lowered self-confidence, isolation from the larger community and increased dependence on the health care system. Despite improved technology and medical care, such concepts as "quality of life" and "feeling well" still elude these patients. There is a growing realization in the health care field that other interventions and approaches are needed. This article will describe how the creative arts can activate, motivate and promote wellness for ESRD patients. The focus is on the use of professional artists, dancers and writers to help restore a sense of wholeness, health, and happiness to patients' lives. This preliminary work which explores the belief that art and artistic experiences have healing properties, will hopefully result in a more comprehensive research project in the near future.