Power of creative arts for older people with chronic pain and depressive symptoms: co-development of the Rewire with Arts protocol and findings from a pilot study
Background Chronic pain and depression are common in older people, and creative activities may lower the perceived impact and distress related to the symptoms. Aims This study describes the co-development of a creative arts and crafts protocol for older people with chronic pain and depressive sy...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BJPsych Open |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425100628/type/journal_article |
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| Summary: | Background
Chronic pain and depression are common in older people, and creative activities may lower the perceived impact and distress related to the symptoms.
Aims
This study describes the co-development of a creative arts and crafts protocol for older people with chronic pain and depressive symptoms, and investigates its feasibility and potential effects.
Method
This study had two phases. In phase 1, a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 10), consisting of professionals, patients and researchers, underwent iterative rounds to co-develop the protocol. In phase 2, a pilot study was conducted among 12 older adults (mean age 71.4 years). Mixed methods were used, including questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up, assessing pain intensity and interference, depressive symptoms and quality of life; observational notes and focus groups. Descriptive and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to analyse quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.
Results
Qualitative findings supported the programme’s feasibility. Participants reflected that the process was engaging and empowering and brought them a sense of achievement and recognition. The quantitative findings evidenced the programme’s potential effects in reducing depressive symptoms (Z = −2.60, P < 0.01) and improving mental health-related quality of life (Z = −2.67, P < 0.01) at 3-month follow-up.
Conclusions
Our results support the feasibility of a creative arts and crafts programme and provide preliminary evidence of its impact on reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health-related quality of life. Given the promising results, a definitive trial is needed to reveal the effectiveness of creative activities in pain management.
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| ISSN: | 2056-4724 |