The Dark Self version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Dark Self, an arts and health project exploring sleep deprivation and its treatment locally in selected GPs surgeries and at the Sleep Disorders Centre at Guy's Hospital.
IRAS ID
160771
Contact name
Susan Aldworth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The Dark Self is an innovative research project which uses an arts-based approach to researching and exploring issues related to sleep and the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. Susan Aldworth has been appointed as Artist-in-Residence to work with Professor Williams, Director of the Sleep Disorders Centre (SDC) at Guy’s Hospital. The aim of the project is to understand how sleep is managed in primary care, and to use this art project as a catalyst to develop new relationships between primary care and the SDC. As a key part of this research initiative Aldworth will work in partnership with Professor Adrian Williams and his team and in collaboration with the arts and health evaluators Willis Newson.
Aldworth will explore how sleep disorders are managed locally both in the SDC and in primary care by engaging directly with a number of local GPs and their patients. That there are issues to be addressed in GPs management of sleeping problems is reflected in the number of patients whose sleep disorders remain untreated, and the numbers referred to the SDC. Aldworth will involve participating local GPs and their patients in the process of capturing sleep disturbance and to document their patient journeys.
An artist in a medical setting is uniquely placed to provide a ‘non-medical ear’ for patients. Given the deeply subjective nature of sleep and sleep disorders, this artist led qualitative approach could unlock evidence about the true prevalence of sleep disorders in the local population, and the impact of bad sleep on their health. Accordingly, this project will capture, investigate and compare patients’ experiences in primary care and in the Sleep Centre. These narratives will be collated and analysed throughout the research process and project outcomes will be professionally evaluated and discussed with Professor Williams and his team, and participating GPs.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0120
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion