This article gathers evidence on the beneficial effects of the arts on health, health care and well-being. This was done by means of a review of research conducted in Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia, dating from 1999 to 2014. The research outcomes are summarized and presented in sections on general health, older people and health care staff. A short section on 'social prescribing' and its increased use in primary health care is included in the section on mental health. In all sectors it was found that there are beneficial effects, especially for relieving stress and improving socialization. This review also includes the problems encountered in the research methodologies, as well as recommendations from researchers for future arts and health projects.
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