Abstract Body: Introduction
A visual arts-based intervention was developed and implemented for community-dwelling stroke survivors.
Purpose
This study aimed to explore the participants’ experience of engaging in a visual arts-based intervention.
Methods
Stroke survivors were recruited and randomly allocated to receive visual arts-based intervention or usual stroke care in the community settings. This intervention is a four-week group intervention with six activities guided by Bandura’ principles of self-efficacy, including warm-up activity, art-making activity, break, discussion, workbook review, and end-up activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants after completing the intervention. Participants were invited to share their experience of engaging in the intervention, including comments, primary concerns, and difficulties encountered. Interview data were audio-recorded and transcribed as well as analyzed by thematic analysis.
Results
Sixty-one participants (age range: 49 to 93) were interviewed. The results showed that most participants were satisfied with the intervention and appreciated the facilitator’s encouraging attitude. They appreciated the theme of each session, all of which enabled them to recall their memories to draw on meaningful values from their stroke recovery journey. Furthermore, over half of participants acknowledged that the intervention addressed their psychosocial concerns, which added values to address gaps in the traditional stroke rehabilitation. Specifically, they considered the creative approach in art-making activities and discussions enhanced their verbal and non-verbal expression, explored and expressed their inner emotions, and encouraged them to engage in group interactions. However, participation in the intervention was challenging for some participants. They pointed out some stroke-related barriers, such as blurred vision, slow reaction, lack of imagination, and limitation in hand movement, affecting their performances in group. Additionally, a lack of familiarity with art-making activity and tool for drawing also contributed to their difficulties in engaging in the intervention. To ensure the intervention implementation, participants suggested modifying the intervention to minimize barriers that hinder participants and establishing a more inclusive intervention environment in future.
Conclusion
The qualitative results provided valuable insights of the impact of the visual arts-based intervention for stroke recovery.