Is seven the magic number? The experiences of recruiting people living with dementia to a visual art group. Dr Catrin Hedd Jones Dementia Services Development Centre Bangor University Challenges of the research process: reflections on the progression of research in visual art groups for people living with dementia and those who care for them. BSG- Newcastle-2nd July 2015

3 sites- Care homes/ NHS/ Community

Priorities Complete data 100 members and 100 carers/ 3 sites Sub sample of 35 dyads qualitative interviews 1st group June 2014- rolling programme – end 2015 Identify areas and recruit 10-12 /group Data collected pre, control, during, post and 3 months final follow up after last group session. Encourage participants to feedback after sessions and post 3 months. 112 PWD, 114carers

Community recruitment 3 Locations 4 waves Target participants in the group areas Research active GP’s Memory clinics & groups Careful screening of patients to ensure met study criteria

Denbighshire sites Rhyl 6K, Ruthin 5K & Llangollen 4K

Primary care Worked with 14 practices Location Practice size- (homes?) and staff relations Screen lists & GP approval Post invitation with reply slip Telephone followed up with home visit Informed consent Collect consent and baseline with both person and carer 2% of screened attended

Secondary care sector 3 Memory clinics NISCR CRC research officer - multiple projects Staff briefed Available on site to meet and explain study Frequency of clinics 40-63% of screened attended

Third sector 18 different organisations/ groups Alzheimer’s society –S4B, Café Social services drop ins Community council agents Voluntary sector Social groups Media 20-33% of screened attended

Community recruitment -consented

‘Dementia’ screened (n= 855) Clinics and community groups (n= 21) GP (n= 14) ‘Dementia’ screened (n= 855) Clinics and community groups (n= 21) Information sent/ shared (n= 558) Not interested 13 Unsuitable 4 Physical illness/falls 6 Carer declined on their behalf 4 Interested (n= 74) Consented (n= 53) Attended (n= 47) Carers data (n= 46)

(n= 53 members and 46 carers) Consented (n= 53 members and 46 carers) Carers qualitative (n=15 ) Qualitative interviews Members (n= 15) 2 failed to attend group (n= 13 & 13) Attended (n= 47) Carers data (n= 46) Observed in session 11/12 (n= 39) Not for me (n=5) Physical illness (n=3)

Art appreciation

Discussions and focused work

Using the hands and brain

“It was nice for her to have something to be proud of at the end of 3 months.”

Some things to consider… Affordable and appropriate transport. Benefits - social interaction, art making, art discussion Celebrate success Longevity of groups Keep all informed of progress, coordinate & acknowledge others role, expertise and support Workshops in Newcastle/ Manchester/ Ruthin 3 sites, working with different groups.

Next steps… Complete final groups across 3 sites Analysing data across each type and source What happens week 7 Dissemination activities over next 12 months

Find out more… Website: dementiaandimagination.org.uk Email and newsletter: imagination@bangor.ac.uk Twitter: @dem_imag @catrinhedd Facebook: Dementia and imagination