Exploring the potential of creative museum-led activities to support stroke In-patient rehabilitation and wellbeing: A pilot mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT

Background

This paper proposes a framework for studying the potential of museum-led interventions for supporting stroke rehabilitation goals.

Methods

The intervention was based on Kirvevold et al.’s model for interventions for post-stroke wellbeing. Mixed-methods data wqas collected to review benefits in a pilot study, including retrospective video observations for six sessions with four patients; interviews with patients, carers and facilitators; pre-post patient assessments; and facilitator diaries.

Results

Systematic analysis of videos showed high levels of concentration and engagement with museum objects, low levels of social interaction, and positive or neutral mood throughout. Thematic qualitative analysis suggested patients felt engaged in meaningful activities, which lifted negative mood, provided positive distraction from the ward, and increased self-esteem, including belief in patient abilities.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to fully establish the potential of museum-led interventions for stroke rehabilitation.

KEYWORDS:

• Museum objects
• stroke
• rehabilitation
• wellbeing
• occupational therapy

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the stroke patients, creative facilitators and healthcare staff who gave their time to participate in this study. We would also like to thank Wendy Gallagher at Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, for support with this research. Our thanks to the reviewers and editor for the feedback on earlier drafts.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Arts Council England [29250851].