Prior to COVID-19, UF Health cancer patients could participate in in-person palliative and supportive care programs, such as educational series, art classes and yoga sessions. Now, UF Health is offering these services in virtual formats for patients to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.

UF Health’s Arts in Medicine, a comprehensive arts in health care program designed to transform the hospital experience for patients, visitors, caregivers and staff, is offering virtual services through an online repository of resources and providing group classes and bedside services through Zoom. Bedside services began phased re-entry two weeks ago, but the program intends to augment services on virtual platforms indefinitely.

Here are some of the virtual resources for UF Health cancer patients:

AIM to Connect

AIM to Connect is an online resource to listen to music, learn visual arts skills and techniques, enjoy poetry, relax with mindful movement, and more. Content is continually expanded and uploaded as it is produced. It is accessible to anyone at home or in the hospital via an internet browser and to patients in the UF Health Heart & Vascular, Neuromedicine and Cancer hospitals by clicking the AIM icon on the in-room iPads.

Art Kits

If local patients at home or at Hope Lodge do not have the supplies needed to participate in an activity of interest, the Arts in Medicine team can build them a kit, which they can pick up at their office, conveniently located just inside the main entrance to the Cancer Hospital.

Zoom to the Room

This is an opportunity for patients to connect with artists in residence and integrative therapies practitioners around artmaking, music performances, writing activities, and mindfulness and relaxation practices via Zoom. Call AIM at ext. 30880 or email AIM at artsinmedicine.@shands.ufl.edu.

Facebook Live Concerts

Tune in every Friday at 1 p.m. on the UF Health Shands AIM Facebook page for a live concert. Comment song requests in the live feed, or email AIM at artsinmedicine@shands.ufl.edu to make a request.

Virtual Classes and Workshops

Arts in Medicine is now able to host specific classes online, like dance, yoga and Qigong, which are viewable in real-time on a computer, tablet, or mobile device via Zoom.

Cancer Educational Wellness Series

UF Health Palliative Care is offering a Cancer Educational Wellness Series on the fourth Wednesday of each month, which will now be via Zoom until further notice. Fun and educational classes will be offered to cancer patients, family members and the community to promote health and quality of life.