An integrative systematic review of creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions

Abstract

Objective We aimed to assess and synthesise the current state of quantitative and qualitative research concerning creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers of people with neurological conditions. Methods A systematic search was employed to identify studies that examined creative arts interventions for older informal caregivers, which were synthesised in this integrative review. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We also backwards searched references of all relevant studies and inspected trials registers. Results Of the 516 studies identified, 17 were included: one was quantitative, nine were qualitative and seven used mixed methods. All included quantitative studies were pilot or feasibility studies employing pre- and post-test design with small sample sizes. Studies varied in relation to the type of creative intervention and evaluation methods, which precluded meta-analysis. Large effect sizes were detected in wellbeing measures following singing and art interventions. The qualitative synthesis highlighted that interventions created space for caregivers to make sense of, accept and adapt to their identity as a caregiver. Personal developments, such as learning new skills, were viewed positively by caregivers as well as welcoming the opportunity to gain cognitive and behavioural skills, and having opportunities to unload emotions in a safe space were important to caregivers. Group creative interventions were particularly helpful in creating social connections with their care-recipients and other caregivers. Conclusions The current review revealed all creative interventions focused on caregivers of people living with dementia; subsequently, this identified gaps in the evidence of creative interventions for informal caregivers of other neurological conditions. There are encouraging preliminary data on music and art interventions, however, little data exists on other art forms, e.g., drama, dance. Creative interventions may appeal to many caregivers, offering a range of psycho-social benefits. The findings of the current review open the way for future research to develop appropriate and creative arts programmes and to test their efficacy with robust tools.

“It is the beautiful things that let us live”: How engaging in creative activities outside of standardized interventions helps family members of persons with Dementia

“…Despite the heterogeneity regarding the kind of creative activities that the participants engaged in, there was a considerable overlap regarding the impact of these activities. In line with the results from previous studies (see Irons et al, 2020; see also Cameron et al, 2013), we found that engaging in creative activities can have an impact on an experiential, cognitive and emotional, as well as on a behavioural and interactional level. All five levels of impact were mentioned in the majority of the interviews.…”

“…Thus, our findings indicate that at least some family members of persons with dementia engage in creative coping processes outside group settings and without the support of trained professionals. This is particularly interesting as the group setting is one of the most frequently mentioned factors when it comes to explaining the effectiveness of arts-based interventions (for an overview, see, Irons et al, 2020 ).…”

“…An emerging field of research is the use of the arts to promote well-being of family caregivers of persons with dementia (for a review, see, Irons et al, 2020 ; see also Cameron et al, 2013 ). Arts-based interventions offer different creative activities to participants, such as art viewing and art making ( Bourne et al, 2019 ; Burnside et al, 2017 ; Camic et al, 2014 , 2016 ; Flatt et al, 2015 ; Hazzan et al, 2016 ; Lamar & Luke, 2016 ; Levenberg et al, 2021 ; Tyack et al, 2017 ), singing and music ( Bourne et al, 2019 ; Baker et al, 2012 ; Camic et al, 2013 ; Clark et al, 2018 ; Davidson & Almeida, 2014 ; Hanser et al, 2011 ; Mittelman & Papayannopoulou, 2021 ; Tamplin et al, 2018 ; Osman et al, 2016 ; Unadkat et al, 2017 ), dancing ( Skinner et al, 2018 ), taking photographs ( Wharton et al, 2019 ) or poetry and song writing ( Baker et al, 2018 ; Baker & Yeates, 2018 ; Kidd et al, 2011 ).…”

Creative Art Therapy as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Dementia: A Systematic Review

“…The recent scoping review on creative arts, including visual arts, literary arts, comedy, music, and dance identified only 26 studies [ 26 ], providing further support that this field remains largely under researched. Nevertheless, there is strong evidence in support of using participatory and participating arts for both people with dementia [ 26 ] and their informal carers [ 27 ], irrespectively of the art form. Despite the emerging extensive body of literature over the last five years, there is a lack of consensus in defining quality of life for people with dementia, or what actually encompasses it.…”

Using Journey Mapping to support staff, family members and allies of people with dementia to think and act differently during a care transition: The benefits and limits of care imagination

“…Creative arts interventions have a broad range of psychosocial benefits for caregivers when incorporated into everyday live (Iron et al, 2020). When creative and innovative methods are used with care staff, family members and allies of people with dementia, they can also be transformative, interrupting routine ways of thinking and inspiring aspects of the caring imagination (Kontos et al, 2020; Kontos et al, 2010).…”