Over the rainbow
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Over the rainbow: Exploring the role of an inpatient aphasia friendly choir for people with post-stroke aphasia in their context of their communication and confidence
IRAS ID
320283
Contact name
Esther Goodhew
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Aphasia is a complex language and communication disorder and can affect all modes of language including understanding, speaking, reading and writing; up to a third of stroke survivors can experience aphasia. However, even in the absence of speech, stroke survivors with aphasia can have a preserved ability to sing. This has led to singing being used in aspects of speech and language therapy and more recently, the bringing together of people with aphasia (PWA) in community-based aphasia friendly choirs. However, to our knowledge, aphasia friendly choirs have not yet been introduced to and evaluated in an inpatient setting in Wales.
A preliminary pilot project exploring the impact of an aphasia friendly choir on stroke patients’ well-being was completed last year and the results suggested that patients' mood significantly improved post-choir sessions. Qualitative data collated from short questionnaires were promising and comments included "companionship", "togetherness" and "Yes, I'm a committed follower”.
Following on from the above, the aim of this project is to explore the impact of attending an inpatient aphasia friendly choir on the rehabilitation of people with aphasia in depth. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with choir participants who are experiencing post-stroke aphasia (PWA). Using thematic analysis, themes from the thoughts and opinions collected will be identified and considered. This will enable us to discover more about the potential benefits of attending an inpatient choir and how it may enhance an individual’s communication, confidence and their overall rehabilitation.
REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A