Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are becoming increasingly prevalent, with 13.8 million Americans age 65 and older predicted to be living with ADRD by 2060. Humanities-based interventions in medical education can foster person-centered approaches towards people living with dementia (PLWD). ARTZ @ Jefferson pairs health-studies students (mentees) with PLWD and care partners (mentors) in arts-based sessions that facilitate discussion of the lived experience of dementia. This study aims to explore how health-studies’ alumni reflect on the long-term impact of their participation in ARTZ @ Jefferson.

Methods
A qualitative design was used to capture student alumni reflections on their experience. Thirteen alumni from medical, public health and occupational therapy fields who participated in ARTZ @ Jefferson as students between 2016 and 2023 were recruited via email. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom using an open interview guide. The transcripts were open-coded, refined to a codebook using NVivo, and organized into an explanatory model.

Results
ARTZ @ Jefferson had a positive, lasting impact on the alumni. An explanatory model, based on an input-process-outcome (IPO) framework, included 4 main components: pre-program context, program experience, catalysts of growth and continuing impact. The continuing impact was further subdivided into perspective change, internal growth, and amplifying impact.

Conclusions
We found the program fostered a humanist approach to healthcare, resulting in enhanced empathy and greater insight into PLWD and caregiving. However, this study is limited by self-selection bias. Future research could strengthen these findings by incorporating validated quantitative measures of empathy and attitudes towards dementia.

Language

English

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