Title: A C E S Study: Can an arts based creative engagement intervention (CEI) following stroke improve psychosocial outcomes? A feasibility trial of a creative engagement intervention for inpatient rehabilitation. This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for stroke rehabilitation examining effects of participation in visual arts activities on psychosocial outcomes after stroke. The investigators hypothesise that participation in a visual arts based intervention (CEI) will improve stroke recovery variables, mood and self-esteem in stroke survivors receiving in-patient rehabilitation compared to viewing a portfolio of artwork. The results of the study will inform a sample size calculation for a full trial.
SUMMARY Background: Stroke is the main cause of complex adult disability in Britain. Stroke rehabilitation is typically task orientated, focusing on physical and functional independence. Psychosocial consequences of stroke are serious and mediate recovery, influencing family relationships, community reintegration and quality of life. Therefore, improving psychosocial outcomes after stroke could improve overall recovery. Creative arts programmes are increasingly used to address psychosocial outcomes in long-term and mental health conditions. These programmes focus on positive influences of engagement in creative art activities facilitated by artists. However, there is little research into effects of creative engagement on psychosocial outcomes after stroke. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to: Conduct a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the effects of a participatory visual arts intervention compared to art viewing on psychosocial outcomes following stroke in order to assess effect size for sample size calculation in a full RCT. The effects of the CEI will be examined in a randomised controlled feasibility trial, which will be run at two stroke rehabilitation units in NHS Tayside and will explore the impact of the intervention on a range of psychosocial outcomes. Patients meeting inclusion criteria will be randomised to a CEI group or an attention control group. The CEI group will receive a visual arts intervention of 4-8 sessions during in-patient rehabilitation. The control group will receive an art portfolio to view after randomisation and baseline assessment, with information about community opportunities to engage in art. The groups will be compared on selected psychosocial outcomes. Findings will indicate the potential magnitude and direction of change to allow for sample size requirements in development of a subsequent randomised control trial to examine effectiveness of the CEI.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
81
The CEI has 5 component stages which map the participant's journey with the Artist 1. Meeting with Artist, discuss interests, stroke and explore initial creative goals. 2. Introduction to materials and mark making to create interpretations of established images. 3. From mark making and interpretations to developing personal project ideas. 4. Turning personal project ideas into creative finished pieces. 5. Review of completed work, mounting and display of work, future plans. It is recognised that participants will progress differently. Components may be repeated or retuned to or may be addressed simultaneously. Participants may progress rapidly and so move from stage 5 back to stages 2, 3 or 4 to progress new work or experience new materials or processes.
The Portfolio group will receive conventional rehabilitation activity at each site. In addition, to control for effects of art related attention received by the intervention group, after baseline assessment and randomisation, this group will receive from the research assistant, a portfolio of work produced by previous participants of the Tayside CEI, with details of community programmes that people with stroke can attend after hospital discharge. Participants will be invited to view the portfolio during their stay. Prior to outcome assessment, the research assistant will visit participants again to answer questions and to discuss options for community programmes, if the person is interested.
NHS (National Health Service) Tayside, Stroke Rehab Unit, Stracathro Hospital
Brechin, Angus, United Kingdom
NHS Tayside, PRI Stroke Unit, Perth Royal Infirmary
Perth, Perth & Kinross, United Kingdom
Stroke Impact Scale
Time frame: Assessed at end of intervention at 4 weeks
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)
Time frame: Assessed at end of intervention at 4 weeks
Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale (VASES)
Time frame: Assessed at end of intervention at 4 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.