• Jane Nicol and Mary Pocock.
• University of Birmingham, School of Nursing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Electronic address: j.nicol@bham.ac.uk.
• Nurse Educ Today. 2020 Jun 1; 89: 104404.

ObjectiveTo report how an art-based workshop assisted undergraduate nursing students to explore their experiences and beliefs about death and dying.DesignA descriptive qualitative study.ParticipantsYear three adult nursing students studying on a full-time undergraduate pre-registration programme.MethodsLong answer questionnaires were completed by 48 undergraduate student nurses, all of whom had participated in the art-based workshop. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and report themes identified.ResultsFour themes were identified: (1) exploring experiences and beliefs, (2) the role of the art in supporting discussions, (3) the gallery environment, and (4) impact on practice. Participants valued the opportunity to 'slow down', fully examine, and be challenged by, the art prompting reflective and critical discussion. The calm and peaceful gallery environment, and the skilled facilitation increased participant confidence to share experiences and beliefs. Reflecting on the workshop participants reported the workshop increased their understanding of the complexities of care and of addressing these on an individual basis.ConclusionsThis shared experience encouraged open and honest discussion and reflection, enhanced critical thinking and the need for compassionate person, and family-centred palliative and end-of-life care. While this study focused on an educational strategy delivered to student nurses, it is an approach that could be used with other health and social care professionals. Close and critical observation of the selected art increased participant understanding and insight of the many experiences and interpretations of death and dying.Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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