Qualitative Research Studies in 2000 and 2001

Project work in the 1990’s indicated that Sonas had a beneficial effect. In 2000 and 2001 two pieces of research were carried out to look scientifically into the efficacy of the approach in the residential care of older people with communication difficulty.

The author of the studies was Dr. T.F. Connors, Ph.D., C. Psychol.

The 2000 study involved a group of older people who participated in Sonas sessions over a three month period and a control group who met regularly but were not involved in the Sonas programme. Findings from the study showed statistically significant improvement for the experimental group in:

	Communication Cognition Activities of daily living Depression and for this group behaviour scores remained static.

The control group showed improvement only in:

	Depression and their behaviour scores deteriorated.

The 2001 study was carried out along similar lines with the addition of more subjects and with an extended period of intervention (6 months), which allowed the control group to receive Sonas intervention for the second three months. Findings from this study showed that after the first three months of intervention with the experimental group, there was statistically significant improvement in:

	Communication Cognition

During this period the control group showed no improvement. However, there was statistically significant improvement following their intervention period in:

	Cognition Activities of daily living

Summaries of the two studies mentioned above may be downloaded. They are also available from our Dublin office.

Study of benefits of Sonas in a variety of group settings in the Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, North Staffordshire (2001)

A practice evaluation of the effects of Sonas was carried out in a variety of care settings in the Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, North Staffordshire in 2002 and published in the July/August 2005 edition of the Journal of Dementia Care.

The authors of the study were Janet Parrish, a senior Clinical Nurse and Director of Nursing, Jackie Wilshaw, a Ward Manager and Julie Baker, a specialist Speech and Language Therapist.

The Sonas programme had been introduced very successfully in several settings within the trust in 2001. The aim of the project was to provide empirical evidence to support the continued use of Sonas with these patient groups by establishing the levels of well-being before, during and after Sonas sessions using dementia care mapping to track changes in individual levels of well-being.

The authors said that “the results overall were outstanding, with a significant number of participants in all settings showing a positive change in well-being”. They said that most patients not only showed increased levels of well-being during group sessions, but also post-group compared to pre-group levels. One notable fact was the significant benefit for those with advanced dementia, a client group that is often excluded from organised activities. The authors commented that this study differed from previous ones in that it provided evidence from the patients’ perspective rather than the carers. It also gave much-needed feedback to the staff who were implementing the programme. The study was used as evidence to secure funding for a second Sonas workshop in the trust in 2002.

(article downloadable)

Study on the Implementation of Sonas in the Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust (1997)

A group of Speech & Language and Occupational Therapists carried out an evaluation of the implementation of Sonas in several care of the elderly units in their trust in 1997. The study was published in the Winter 1997 edition of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice.

In measuring the benefits of the Sonas programme, the authors used a range of evaluation forms based on SLT and OT record sheets. The findings showed that over time clients demonstrated improved well-being, self-confidence, self-esteem and trust. The authors said that Kitwood’s behavioural signs of well-being were all observable following repeated Sonas group attendance. These signs included: demonstrating pleasure, bodily relaxation, assertiveness, expression of a range of emotions, sensitivity to the emotional needs of others, humour, creative self expression (such as singing and dancing), helpfulness, affection, self respect (such as concern about appearance) and acceptance of others who also have a similar illness or other disability.

The authors also said that care staff and relatives noticed generally improved alertness, happiness and relaxation in some individuals following the group and that quality of life improved while the sessions were being carried out.

(article downloadable)

Forthcoming Research Projects

Jackie O’Toole, Lead Sonas Tutor, is currently designing a research project into the benefits of Sonas. Dementia Care Mapping will be the outcome measure that is used and there will be at least one research site in Dublin. Professor Dawn Brooker, of the University of Bradford, has agreed to act as an advisor for the project.

Articles on Sonas aPc

	Baker,J., et Al. (2001). How I Manage Dementia. Speech and Language Therapy in Practice.
	Black, C., (2005) Speech and Language Therapy Work in Sonas Group. Ch 15, Perspectives on Rehabilitation and Dementia. Ed: Marshall, M.
	Hamill, R (2000). Sonas aPc: Caring for Communication in Dementia. Fysiotherapie & Ouderenzorg, 2000.
	Hamill, R. & Connors, T. (2004) Activating the Potential for Communication Through Multi-sensory Stimulation. In Jones, G. & Meisen, B.M.L. (2004) Care-giving in Dementia, Vol. 3, Ch 6. 119-137: Routledge, London & New York.
	Moriarty, J., Threadgold, M., Grennan, S. (2003) Activating Potential for Communication Through All the Senses. Dementia. Vol 2(2). 265-279: Sage Publications.
	Threadgold, M. (2002) Sonas aPc- A New Lease of Life for Some. Signpost, Vol. 7, 35-36.
	Threadgold, M (1995) Touching the Soul Through the Senses. Journal of Dementia Care, Vol. 4, 18-20.