Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Couplehood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and changing relationships - An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
143172
Contact name
Sara Elizabeth Johnson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research & Development/Thames Valley CLRN RG&G
Research summary
The central concern that the research seeks to investigate is the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) on couplehood. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a non pharmacological intervention for people with dementia and is the only non-pharmalogical approach recommended by the NICE guidelines as it is proven effective for improving cognition, wellbeing and quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia. There is a good evidence base to support the effectiveness of CST in delaying cognitive decline associated with dementia, leading to improvements in communication and quality of life. To date few studies have shown how these positive changes are perceived by individuals.
The study will investigate the views and opinions of couples where one spouse attends CST. It seeks to address a gap in our knowledge of individuals' lived experiences.
The research participants will be recruited from the Older Adult Community Mental Health Teams throughout Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. Face to Face qualitative interviews will be utilized with the patient attending CST and their partner conducted at the beginning and at the end of the 14 week CST sessions.
The research will be carried out by the chief investigator who works within The Trust as an Occupational Therapist in the Older Adult Mental Health Community Team.
It is anticipated that the results from the study would help to inform the future design of CST by aiding facilitators in understanding the unique perspective of the patient and their partner. This is important because an awareness of people’s expectations and experiences would aid service provision which is appropriate and responsive.REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/1131
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion