PhD Study : Developing and pilot testing a programme of applied drama for enhancing wellbeing among people living with dementia and their family carers

Summary

Social inclusion is significant for sustaining the well-being of people living with dementia and their carers (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2013).  However, informal care giving relationships are under-supported in this regard (Age NI, 2017; Rodger et al., 2015).  Applied drama interventions have potential to reduce inequality by building social capacity and well-being. People living with dementia appreciate engagement in community art-based activities (Beard, 2012).  Elliot et al. (2010) has demonstrated that drama programmes challenge stigma and promote social inclusion. Shaughnessy (2012) has found that applied drama delivered through interactive workshops is particularly suited to clients living with dementia.  Although participation in community arts is recognised within health and social policy as beneficial for health and wellbeing (Arts Council of Ireland, 2010), there is a dearth of robust research (Mechaeil et al., 2013).

Aim:  The aim of this study is to develop, and test a programme of applied drama for people living with mild to moderate dementia and their family carers.  In order to achieve this, there are three objectives:

1)To conduct a systematic review of applied drama interventions for people living with dementia and/or their carers;

2)To identify the components required for, and develop, a bespoke programme of applied drama workshops with people living with dementia and their carers;

3)To pilot test the feasibility of delivering the applied drama programme, targeting emotional well-being and social connectedness.

Design and methods: The study will have a mixed methods design underpinned by applied drama (White, 2009; Shaughnessy, 2012) and the New Economics Foundation Ways to Wellbeing (Aked & Thompson, 2011) comprising three phases.

Phase 1: A systematic review of the evidence base for applied drama programmes for people living with dementia and their family carers, and a focus group with applied drama facilitators and persons living with dementia and their family carers, to identify the components required for developing and delivering a bespoke applied drama programme.

Phase 2 is a quasi-experimental study. The programme will be rolled out to persons living with mild to moderate dementia and their informal carers, with testing pre-implementation, at close of the 8 week intervention, and 8 weeks later. Quantitative outcome measures may include the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (Stewart-Brown et al. 2009), and the shortened Duke Social Support Index (Wardian et al., 2013).

Phase 3 is a qualitative study with two components: 1) Process evaluation through short film sequences and web blog, and 2) face to face interviews to explore experiences and impact of the intervention.

Data analysis: Descriptive and statistical analysis of quantitative data.  A framework analysis will be developed, informed by the Five Ways to Wellbeing, for qualitative data, to enable rigorous triangulation of the data sources to draw findings.

Skills required of applicant: The successful applicant should be from a nursing or allied health professional background, be familiar with research in dementia, and have excellent oral and written communication skills.  Competence in communicating with people living with dementia would be advantageous, as is the ability to conduct semi-structured interviews.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living