"Art in 10 Minutes" Helps Young Patients through Long Days

Photo of Jackie Butler, Art in 10 Minutes volunteer, with pediatric patient.

Mayo Clinic volunteers brighten the days for pediatric patients on Mayo 16 in a variety of ways. The most recent service offering is the result of a new collaborative effort between Child Life and Mayo Clinic Volunteer Programs. The summer “Art in 10 Minutes” pilot program has now been declared a success (and a much-needed distraction for pediatric patients on Mayo 16). The offering was modeled after a similar service being facilitated by a Mayo Clinic volunteer at the Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center.

With the pilot phase ending, Art in 10 Minutes has begun full force, as of August 1, with a goal to “give young patients a chance to be kids while waiting for their appointments,” declared Ms. Marne Hoyer, Child Life Specialist. “It gives them a chance to be creative and expressive, as well as encourages interaction with each other in the lobby setting.” Coping with stress in a healthcare setting can be trying, so programs (like this) are definitely an opportunity to make the patient experience better with reduced stress. We are grateful for the generous support of Methodist Campus Volunteers to continue this service.

The activities also support the patients’ typical growth and development needs by doing normal things while they wait for their appointments. Craft projects are as patient and family friendly, as possible. They encourage creativity for all ages with projects including:

• Emoji face masks (made from paper plates)
• Tissue paper stained glass creations
• Duct tape art (for older pediatric patients)
• Or creations of their own making (using existing art materials)

During the pilot, four volunteers served shifts in the morning or afternoon. The goal is to have volunteers present in the lobby at least one time per day, Monday through Thursday, during busy appointment times (though making sure not to impede the workflow of staff or patients). Volunteers interested in joining the ‘fun’ can contact Becky Hynes.

This new service complements two existing volunteer services on Mayo 16. Pediatric book cart volunteers interact with children in the lobby area and activity bag volunteers visit patients who are waiting in exam rooms for their healthcare providers. Now we have another great chance to help children de-stress during these difficult days!

“We couldn’t do this without the help of our volunteers,” Marne continued. “They jumped right in, gave us their feedback and used their passion to make this pilot succeed. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.”